The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has voiced deep alarm over South Sudan’s worsening political and security crisis, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Citing “blatant violations” of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the Council condemned Machar’s continued house arrest and the detention of senior SPLM-IO officials.
“The continued house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar and the unlawful dismissal of opposition figures are flagrant violations of the peace accord and calls for his immediate and unconditional release,” read part of the AU statement.
AU further called on Juba to immediate and unconditional release and reinstatement of other detained SPLM-IO officials to “de-escalate the prevailing political tension and to prevent the total collapse of the R-ARCSS.”
It warned that these actions are fueling instability and threatening to unravel the already fragile peace.
The AU PSC has further called for an independent investigation into all alleged breaches of the agreement, urging the unity government to uphold its obligations under the peace deal.
With trust eroding and tensions escalating, the AU’s intervention signals a critical turning point in South Sudan’s transitional journey.
