Nigeria Pledges Strong Support for South Sudan Peace Process at AU Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed Nigeria's unwavering commitment to the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan, calling for immediate action to end the long-standing conflict. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu made this declaration during the African Union High-Level Adhoc Committee for South Sudan, known as the C-5 Plus Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday. The summit was chaired by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, who led African leaders in reaffirming their dedication to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Call for Unconditional Release of Opposition Figures
In a significant move, President Tinubu urged the South Sudanese government to release First Vice President Riek Machar and other detained opposition leaders without any preconditions. He emphasised that this step is crucial for fostering national unity and building trust among all stakeholders. Tinubu stated, "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." This appeal highlights Nigeria's proactive role in advocating for inclusive political processes to resolve conflicts across Africa.
Nigeria's Solidarity and Regional Partnership Efforts
Tinubu underscored Nigeria's solidarity with other African nations in supporting South Sudan's aspirations for peace and sustainable development. He warned that South Sudan cannot continue on its current trajectory, stressing that national unity and elite consensus are essential for progress. Additionally, Tinubu called on African leaders to encourage stakeholders in South Sudan to prioritise inclusive, peaceful, and transparent national elections as a means to build confidence in the country's leadership. He pointed to Nigeria's recent launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy, a collaborative initiative with development partners, as part of its contribution to resolving conflicts in South Sudan and beyond. Tinubu noted that insecurity and political tensions in South Sudan are hindering progress on critical transitional issues, such as security sector reforms and constitution-drafting processes.
African Leaders Commend Efforts and Express Concerns
In his opening remarks, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised African leaders for their determination to resolve the conflict and welcomed the presence of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir at the summit, describing it as a sign of personal commitment to peace. Ramaphosa urged all parties to recommit to the revitalised agreement, expressing concern over the slow pace of implementation eight years after its endorsement. He also commended the United Nations, development partners, and other stakeholders for their contributions, stating that the C-5 Plus Summit demonstrates the commitment of leaders to finding a lasting solution in the interest of the people of South Sudan.
UN Warns of Escalating Violence and Civilian Risks
Amid these diplomatic efforts, the United Nations has raised alarms about renewed fighting in South Sudan. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was reported to be "deeply concerned" about the continued escalation of violence, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Reports indicate clashes between opposition militia and government forces in Jonglei state, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, as well as the displacement of approximately 180,000 people. This underscores the urgent need for swift implementation of peace measures to protect civilians and stabilise the region.
