President Salva Kiir Mayardit has once again pledged to restore peace and stability in South Sudan and Sudan as he joined fellow African leaders at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
The gathering marked the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the summit focused on water security and sanitation as critical drivers of Africa’s long-term development.
Addressing the Assembly, President Kiir emphasized unity and cooperation among member states, arguing that Africa’s future depends on collective action.
He told leaders it was an honor to participate in discussions shaping the continent’s direction.
The South Sudanese leader reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan and neighboring Sudan, echoing similar assurances delivered at previous regional and continental forums.
Despite repeated pledges, South Sudan continues to face political uncertainty and security challenges, with slow implementation of key peace provisions raising questions among observers about when such commitments will translate into tangible progress.
During the session, the Assembly appointed Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye as the new Chairperson of the African Union, succeeding Angola’s João Lourenço.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for cooperation among African states, particularly in addressing shared challenges such as water scarcity, sanitation, peace, and regional stability.
