President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Sudan’s leaders to urgently address outstanding challenges ahead of the country’s first general elections since attaining independence, stressing that credible elections must be underpinned by an inclusive political process.
President Ramaphosa was speaking on Tuesday at the Summit of the African Union Committee on South Sudan (C5) Plus, which brought together leaders and representatives to discuss the political and security situation in South Sudan and preparations for elections later this year.
South Sudan gained independence in July 2011. The country is expected to hold its elections in December 2026.
He said the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan remained the only internationally recognised framework for implementing the country’s political transition.
“We know that elections on their own are not a sufficient guarantor of peace and democracy.
“Holding credible elections must be preceded and accompanied by a genuine, inclusive political process, bolstered by security arrangements and protection of electoral staff and civilians,” he said in the virtual meeting.
The President said the electoral process also requires a clear legal framework, adequate financing and capable institutional and operational capacity.
He urged South Sudan’s leaders to use the current period to overcome their differences and address the challenges facing the country.
“Inclusive dialogue is a vital guarantor of the future of South Sudan and its peoples. We call on the leaders of South Sudan to seize this moment to come together despite their differences to discuss the problems and challenges that stand in the way of their advancement as a nation,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the call came amid significant developments in South Sudan over the past week, including the dissolution of the Transitional Government on 22 September 2026, amendments to the National Elections Act of 2012 and the commencement of the Inter-Party Political Dialogue on 24 September 2026.
“These developments take place against the backdrop of preparations for the first general elections since attaining independence,” the President said.
He said the C5 Plus looked forward to receiving further information from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the impact of these developments.
The President also welcomed the appointment of former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as the African Union (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
“Your Excellency President Kikwete, we wish you well as you deploy your extensive expertise and considerable energies to assist the government and the people of South Sudan,” he said.
President Ramaphosa also acknowledged the work of the AU’s technical pre-election and needs assessment mission, which visited Juba from 23 to 28 August 2026 under the leadership of former Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama.
He said the AU Member States wished the people of South Sudan well as they prepare to go to the polls.
The President stressed that AU Member States had a collective responsibility to support South Sudan in overcoming its challenges and advancing its national vision of unity, peace and prosperity.
He said the C5 Plus was ready to support South Sudanese leaders and citizens as they worked towards lasting peace.
“As the parties to this Summit, we stand ready with our support, counsel and solidarity as the leaders and people of South Sudan continue along their journey.”
“The people of South Sudan must know that they do not stand alone. Their peace is our peace, their stability is our stability and their success is our success,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
