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 state of affairs in South Sudan and provide guidance on the upcoming elections.
President Ramaphosa commended South Sudan's leadership for their commitment to peace and emphasized the collective responsibility of AU member states to support the nation. He welcomed AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and other dignitaries. Ramaphosa also acknowledged the appointment of former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Kikwete's role involves 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 cited significant recent developments, including the dissolution of the Transitional Government, amendments to the National Elections Act of 2012, and the commencement of the Inter-Party Political Dialogue. These developments occur as the nation prepares for its first post-independence elections later this year.
The President emphasized that credible polls require a foundation of stability, and that voting alone cannot secure the nation's future. He stressed that holding elections must be preceded and accompanied by a genuine, inclusive political process, bolstered by security arrangements and protection of electoral staff and civilians. A clear legal framework, adequate financing, and capable institutional and operational capacity are also necessary, he said.
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. The agreement is the paramount legal instrument with which all parties must comply, and progress in South Sudan will be measured by it.
The summit's eight-point action plan demands that all parties comply fully with the provisions of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and demonstrate their commitment to its full implementation. Ramaphosa also called for the release of all persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds and guarantee the rights, humane treatment, and due process of persons facing judicial proceedings. This, he said, would contribute to an inclusive political environment.
Ramaphosa urged the government to work with speed to resolve the challenges that remain and adopt a feasible, consensual, and time-bound electoral roadmap. He appealed to the international community to support South Sudan in the most effective and coordinated manner, while emphasizing that external aid cannot replace local accountability. The primary responsibility for implementing the agreed measures rests with the government and parties of South Sudan.
Key points
- The African Union has called for the release of all persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds in South Sudan.
- The upcoming elections in South Sudan require a foundation of stability and a genuine, inclusive political process.
- The Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the paramount legal instrument guiding the country's transition.
