On September 29, 2026, Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh, as Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), expressed his desire for a swift return to civil concord in South Sudan during a virtual summit of the African Union's High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan. The summit aimed to address the growing concerns over South Sudan's stability, marked by severe political divisions, armed violence, and humanitarian crises.
President Guelleh emphasized that the primary responsibility for choosing peace over personal and partisan interests lies with South Sudan's leaders. He stressed that a durable resolution to the country's problems requires a transparent consensus process. The IGAD, he said, reiterates its urgent call for a clear and definitive roadmap for transition and the holding of elections by December 2026.
The summit, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, brought together leaders from the region, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Kenyan President William Ruto, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud. The meeting also included representatives from the United Nations and other concerned organizations.
President Guelleh highlighted the need for South Sudan to adopt a revised charter of governance and national salvation, given the recent revisions to its highest legal provisions and the declining faith of parts of its population in its institutions. He noted that the decisions taken after the Nasir incident in March 2025 have raised concerns among stakeholders.
The Djibouti President also underscored the importance of collective efforts by the IGAD, the African Union, and international partners in helping South Sudan overcome its current challenges. He recalled the success of past collective efforts in ending a devastating conflict and leading to the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
The virtual summit was attended by high-level officials, including the Vice-Chair of the African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, and representatives of the UN and other organizations. Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Hassan Bahdon, and the President's diplomatic advisor, Fathia Djama Oudine, accompanied President Guelleh to the summit.
The crisis in South Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, including massive displacement of populations and numerous crises. The situation underscores the need for swift action to restore stability and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- President Guelleh emphasizes the need for South Sudan's leaders to prioritize peace and adopt a transparent consensus process.
- The IGAD calls for a clear roadmap for transition and elections in South Sudan by December 2026.
- The international community, including the African Union and IGAD, offers support to help South Sudan overcome its current challenges.
