On Tuesday, Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who currently chairs the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), participated in an extraordinary summit of the African Union's High-Level Committee (5+) and IGAD. The virtual meeting, led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, brought together representatives from member states, the African Union Commission, and the United Nations. The summit aimed to assess the latest developments in South Sudan and monitor the implementation of the revitalized agreement to resolve the conflict.
In his address to the summit, President Guelleh expressed his deep concern and firm confidence in the solidarity of the region and its ability to take responsibility. He emphasized that South Sudan is at a critical juncture, requiring sustained and coordinated engagement. The President noted that the collective efforts of IGAD, the African Union, and international partners had previously succeeded in stopping a devastating conflict and signing the revitalized agreement to resolve the conflict in South Sudan.
President Guelleh highlighted that the agreement has provided the longest period of ceasefire, nearly seven years, and remains the most viable framework for ensuring stability and paving the way for lasting peace in South Sudan. However, he pointed out that recent developments have underscored the fragility of the current situation, threatening the gains made so far. The President cited the Nasser incident in March 2025 and subsequent events that led to a significant escalation of tensions and raised the risk of renewed conflict.
The President emphasized that violence continues in several states, accompanied by increasing internal displacement and cross-border movements, exacerbating humanitarian situations and leading to tragic crises. He also noted that recent political decisions have raised concerns among stakeholders, particularly regarding initiatives to amend key aspects of the revitalized agreement and uncertainty surrounding the agreed-upon timeline for the transitional period.
President Guelleh stressed that the situation undermines the credibility of the peace process and trust in it, at a time when unity of purpose is desperately needed. He reiterated that the primary responsibility for choosing the path of reconciliation instead of conflict lies with South Sudan's leaders, while IGAD can support and accompany them, reminding them of their commitments when necessary.
In this context, IGAD renewed its urgent call for a clear and decisive roadmap for the transitional period and the conduct of elections by December 2026. President Guelleh emphasized that South Sudan, the region, and the continent cannot afford the cost of further delays. He assured that IGAD will continue its full engagement in this matter, coordinating closely with the African Union, the United Nations, and all regional and international partners.
President Guelleh concluded his address by affirming that IGAD's diplomatic efforts will continue as long as necessary to ensure lasting peace in South Sudan. He expressed confidence that genuine political will can overcome even the deepest crises and called for collective action to ensure that South Sudan's future is one of peace, not war, development, not displacement, and national unity, not division.
Key points
- Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh participated in a virtual summit of the African Union's High-Level Committee (5+) and IGAD to discuss South Sudan's ongoing challenges.
- The summit aimed to assess the latest developments in South Sudan and monitor the implementation of its peace agreement.
- President Guelleh emphasized the need for a clear roadmap for the transitional period and elections by December 2026 to prevent further delays and instability.
