Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, represented by Prime Minister Saif al-Islam, recently attended a virtual meeting of the African Union's High-Level Committee on South Sudan. The meeting, convened by Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, aimed to bolster support for South Sudan's transition and upcoming elections. Tebboune emphasized Algeria's solidarity with South Sudan and its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and institution-building in the region.
The meeting took place amid concerns over the security situation in South Sudan and the looming electoral deadline of December 22, 2026. Tebboune warned that the current challenges facing South Sudan could hinder the completion of its transitional phase. He urged all parties to demonstrate a sense of responsibility, engage in dialogue, and prioritize national interests over partisan calculations.
Tebboune reiterated that the revitalized agreement on conflict resolution remains the legitimate framework for overcoming the current crisis in South Sudan. However, he noted that the ongoing political stalemate among signatory parties significantly impacts the transitional process and the agreement's future. The Algerian President called on all parties to engage constructively in an inclusive and national dialogue.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for all parties to commit to de-escalation and cease hostilities across the country. He also urged the transitional authorities to expedite the provision of necessary national funding for electoral institutions and develop a realistic roadmap for the elections. This roadmap should reassure various stakeholders and the South Sudanese people.
Tebboune appealed to African Union member states and international partners to fulfill their commitments and provide concrete contributions to address the financial gap in the electoral process. He requested that they intensify humanitarian support for affected populations and ensure the safe delivery of aid. Algeria has expressed its readiness to provide logistical and technical support to facilitate credible elections in South Sudan.
During the meeting, Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to African solutions for African problems. He pledged continued support for efforts to achieve peace, stability, and development in South Sudan and the African continent. The Algerian President called on the African Union to send a strong, unified message of solidarity with the South Sudanese people.
Tebboune concluded his address by reiterating Algeria's condolences to the Ethiopian government and people following the recent attack on UN peacekeeping forces. He emphasized Algeria's strong condemnation of the incident. The virtual meeting of the High-Level Committee demonstrated the African Union's ongoing commitment to supporting South Sudan's transition and stability.
Key points
- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called for a cessation of hostilities in South Sudan.
- Tebboune emphasized the need for an inclusive national dialogue to overcome the country's challenges.
- Algeria expressed readiness to provide logistical and technical support for South Sudan's elections.
