President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the prompt execution of the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan, stressing the urgent need for the immediate and unconditional release of the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, as well as other key opposition figures.
This position was communicated through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, widely known as the C-5 Plus Summit.
The summit, convened on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking on Nigeria’s behalf, Tinubu emphasised the critical importance of inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, and constructive engagement among all parties without preconditions.
“We wish to specifically call on the government to consider the immediate and unconditional release from detention of the Vice President and other key opposition figures. It is also imperative to convene an all-inclusive South Sudan national dialogue and reconciliation forum. We call on all parties to engage constructively with authorities in the mediation process without preconditions,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian President stressed that Nigeria stands with the broader African community in supporting the South Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace, sustainable development, and a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
He underscored the nation’s commitment to accompany the Transitional Government of Unity and the people of South Sudan in achieving lasting peace and national development.
“National unity and elite consensus are essential to progress in the country’s transitional phase. Inclusive, peaceful, and transparent elections remain the only way to build trust and confidence in the country’s future leadership,” Tinubu added.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s involvement in the recently launched Regional Partnership for Democracy, drawing attention to the challenges posed by insecurity and political tensions, which have hindered key transitional processes such as security sector reforms and constitution drafting.
President Ramaphosa, in his opening remarks, praised African leaders for their continued determination to resolve the conflict, acknowledging the slow pace of implementing the revitalised peace agreement, now eight years after its adoption.
He described the C-5 Plus Summit as a testament to the continent’s commitment to delivering a sustainable solution in the interest of the South Sudanese people.
The President of Djibouti and IGAD Chairman, Ismail Omar Guelleh, reaffirmed the regional bloc’s commitment to South Sudan’s peace and proposed appointing a lead mediator to monitor the implementation of the agreement and address emerging issues. Other notable attendees included AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and representatives from Chad, Rwanda, and other African nations.
In a related announcement, President Tinubu also pledged Nigeria’s full support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea.
He confirmed that the country would provide essential infrastructure, office facilities, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel to enhance the Force’s operational capacity in combating transnational organized crimes and strengthening maritime security in the region.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan is implemented without delay.
He called for the immediate release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition figures, advocated for inclusive dialogue and reconciliation, and highlighted the need for transparent elections to build trust in South Sudan’s transitional government.
Nigeria also pledged full support to the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea, providing resources to enhance regional security.
