The African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, met on Tuesday to discuss the country's preparedness for the December 2026 elections. The committee considered the findings of the AU's election preparedness assessment and practical steps needed to support a peaceful and credible electoral process. The meeting comes as the country faces critical challenges in its transition to stability and democracy.
AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Hadadi emphasized the need for South Sudan's leaders to prioritize the ceasefire and peace agreement. She stated that preserving the ceasefire, strengthening political confidence through inclusive dialogue, and supporting conditions necessary for a peaceful and credible electoral process are immediate priorities. Hadadi's remarks underscored the importance of the peace agreement in achieving lasting stability in South Sudan.
The AU's election preparedness assessment is a critical component of the C5 meeting. The assessment aims to identify gaps and provide practical measures to address them ahead of the planned December 2026 elections. The committee's discussions will inform the AU's engagement with South Sudan and the international community in supporting the country's transition.
Hadadi urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities, uphold the permanent ceasefire, and refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine the peace agreement. She also called for constructive and inclusive national dialogue among South Sudanese stakeholders, emphasizing that political differences should not put the gains of the peace process at risk.
The AU official reiterated that dialogue should continue, violence should be avoided, and the Revitalized Peace Agreement should remain the basis for concluding the political transition. She emphasized that the electoral process should contribute to ending the transitional period and establishing lasting stability in South Sudan.
The C5 meeting is a critical platform for regional leaders to discuss South Sudan's transition and provide guidance on the way forward. The meeting's outcome is expected to inform the AU's engagement with South Sudan and the international community in supporting the country's transition. The AU's involvement is crucial in ensuring that South Sudan's transition is peaceful, credible, and sustainable.
The African Union's call for South Sudan's leaders to uphold the ceasefire and peace agreement is a timely reminder of the challenges facing the country. With the December 2026 elections approaching, the country's leaders must prioritize the peace agreement and work towards a peaceful and credible transition. The international community is watching closely, and the AU's engagement will be critical in ensuring that South Sudan's transition is successful.
Key points
- The African Union has urged South Sudan's leaders to preserve the ceasefire and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement as the basis for completing the political transition.
- The AU's election preparedness assessment aims to identify gaps and provide practical measures to address them ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.
- The AU has called for constructive and inclusive national dialogue among South Sudanese stakeholders to ensure that political differences do not put the gains of the peace process at risk.
