The AU C5 has directed South Sudan’s leaders to immediately halt all hostilities and release detained political figures, including First Vice President Riek Machar, following deliberations at the C5 meeting of Heads of State.
Delivering the closing remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the regional leaders reached a firm and unified position after what he described as a “constructive and positive meeting.”
“We have agreed that there should be a ceasefire and all hostilities must be brought to an end,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the release of political detainees was a key confidence-building measure needed to unlock dialogue and stabilise the political environment.
“There should be a release of political detainees, and this should also include people like the Vice President, Riek Machar,” Ramaphosa said, urging the Government of South Sudan to give the matter serious consideration.
Ramaphosa said the leaders reaffirmed that the Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the central legal framework guiding South Sudan’s transition and warned that compliance would determine progress toward peace and democracy.
The AU C5 also called for inclusive and meaningful dialogue involving all political actors, civil society, women and youth, stressing that no stakeholder should be excluded from national talks.
“We encourage inclusive dialogue in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement,” Ramaphosa said.
On elections, the regional leaders ruled out further delays, insisting that national polls must proceed and be conducted on a free and fair basis.
“Elections must go on and not be postponed,” Ramaphosa said. “There should be no more postponements.”
The committee further called for the unification of forces, the establishment of minimum democratic standards, and full funding of electoral institutions to guarantee a credible vote.
Ramaphosa said coordination of regional efforts would be strengthened through IGAD and the AU C5, with selected Heads of State assigned oversight responsibilities.
While pledging continued regional support, Ramaphosa stressed that South Sudan’s leaders must demonstrate political will.
“It is up to the leaders of South Sudan to act in good faith,” he said, calling for national cohesion, reconciliation, and respect for the rule of law.
He added that President Salva Kiir had assured the meeting of his government’s commitment to the agreed roadmap as the country moves toward elections.
