Tinubu Urges Release of South Sudan VP Machar

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for the swift implementation of the revitalised peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the peace efforts at the African Union’s (AU) High-Level Adhoc Committee for South Sudan, also known as the C-5 Plus Summit, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, President Tinubu called for the immediate and unconditional release of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, along with other key opposition figures.

During the summit, President Tinubu emphasised the need for an inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation process in South Sudan, urging all parties to engage constructively and without preconditions.

“We cannot allow South Sudan to continue on its current trajectory. Without national unity and elite consensus, not much can be achieved on the transition programme in South Sudan,” he said.

Nigeria’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace process goes beyond statements. The country has actively worked with development partners through initiatives like the Regional Partnership for Democracy, which aims to stabilise South Sudan and other nations facing similar conflicts.

Tinubu Urges Release of South Sudan VP Machar. Credit: Arise.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s doctrinal commitment to the South Sudanese Transitional Government of Unity, underscoring the importance of peaceful, transparent national elections to build trust and confidence in the nation’s leadership.

Meanwhile, African Union leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, have expressed their determination to address the conflict, acknowledging the slow pace of progress despite efforts since the revitalised agreement was signed eight years ago.

Other key leaders, including Ismail Omar Guelleh, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), emphasised the need for robust consultation and proposed appointing a lead mediator to oversee the implementation process.