The African Union has called for the release of all persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds in South Sudan, ahead of the country's first general elections. This appeal was made during a virtual Summit of the AU Committee on South Sudan, led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa apologized for postponing the meeting, citing health reasons. The summit aimed to address the current political landscape in South Sudan and the challenges leading up to the elections.
President Ramaphosa commended South Sudan's leadership for their commitment to peace and stressed that AU member states have a collective responsibility to support the nation. He welcomed AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and other dignitaries. Ramaphosa also addressed the newly appointed AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, expressing wishes for his success in assisting the government and people of South Sudan.
Ramaphosa noted that support for the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan has grown across the continent since the inaugural C5 Plus Summit earlier this year. He highlighted significant recent developments, including the dissolution of the Transitional Government on September 22, 2026, amendments to the National Elections Act of 2012, and the commencement of the Inter-Party Political Dialogue on September 24. These developments occur as the nation prepares for its first post-independence elections later this year.
Ramaphosa emphasized that credible polls require a foundation of stability, and holding elections must be preceded and accompanied by a genuine, inclusive political process. He stressed the need for security arrangements, protection of electoral staff and civilians, a clear legal framework, adequate financing, and capable institutional and operational capacity. Ramaphosa urged leaders to seize the moment to discuss problems and challenges standing in the way of their advancement as a nation.
The summit yielded a concrete Declaration with strict recommendations, following briefings from President Kiir, the AU, Kikwete, and former Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama. Ramaphosa confirmed that the foundational document for the country's transition, the Revitalised Peace Agreement, remains absolute. He demanded that all parties comply fully with the provisions of the agreement and demonstrate their commitment to its full implementation.
Ramaphosa made a direct intervention regarding human rights and the political climate, urging the government to release all persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds and guarantee the rights, humane treatment, and due process of persons facing judicial proceedings. He also called for a feasible, consensual, and time-bound electoral roadmap that clearly sets out the legal basis, scope, and sequencing of elections.
Ramaphosa appealed to the international community to support South Sudan in a coordinated manner, while emphasizing that external aid cannot replace local accountability. He stated that the primary responsibility for implementing agreed measures rests with the government and parties of South Sudan, and that external support must reinforce South Sudanese national ownership and respond to clearly identified priorities.
Key points
- The African Union has called for the release of all persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds in South Sudan ahead of the country's first general elections.
- President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for a genuine, inclusive political process, security arrangements, and protection of electoral staff and civilians for credible polls.
- The summit yielded a concrete Declaration with strict recommendations, including compliance with the Revitalised Peace Agreement and a feasible electoral roadmap.
