The African Union Committee on South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit has adopted a Declaration setting out a range of measures to support peace, political stability and credible elections in South Sudan.
The Declaration, adopted at the Summit chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, reaffirms the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan as the paramount legal instrument governing the country’s political transition.
Closing the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the Declaration sets out a number of recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges facing South Sudan as it prepares for national elections.
“We have agreed that the Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the paramount legal instrument with which all parties must comply and by which progress in South Sudan will be measured,” he said in his virtual address.
Among the recommendations is a call for all parties to fully comply with the provisions of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and demonstrate their commitment to its implementation.
The Declaration also calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, uphold the Permanent Ceasefire and refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine the peace agreement.
On the political environment, the Summit called for the release of persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds, while respecting South Sudan’s sovereignty and judicial processes.
It further called for guarantees on the rights, humane treatment and due process of persons facing judicial proceedings, with the aim of contributing to an inclusive political environment.
The Declaration also sets out measures aimed at strengthening preparations for South Sudan’s elections that are set to be held in December 2026.
The Summit called on the Government of South Sudan to adopt a feasible, consensual and time-bound electoral roadmap that clearly sets out the legal basis, scope and sequencing of elections.
It also called for predictable, adequate and timely domestic financial resources to be provided to electoral and transitional institutions to enable credible preparations.
The government was further urged to address the political, legal, technical, operational, financial and security requirements necessary for a peaceful, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.
The Declaration also places emphasis on the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
It calls on all parties to protect civilians, humanitarian and medical personnel and United Nations peacekeepers, while ensuring safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected communities.
It further calls for accountability for attacks against peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel.
Supporting South Sudan
The Summit also outlined a role for regional and continental institutions in supporting South Sudan.
It recommended that the African Union, the C5 and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) coordinate voluntary and needs-based technical assistance in support of the electoral process and implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
President Ramaphosa also called on international partners to provide coordinated support to South Sudan, while stressing that national ownership must remain central to the implementation of the agreed measures.
“Primary responsibility for the implementation of the agreed measures rests with the government and parties of South Sudan. The support of the C5, the African Union and international partners must reinforce South Sudanese national ownership and respond to clearly identified priorities,” the President said.
The Declaration comes as South Sudan prepares for its first general elections since attaining independence in July 2011, amid ongoing efforts to implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
President Ramaphosa said the Summit’s objective was to help accompany South Sudan through a critical period as it works towards peace, stability and democracy.
“Peace, stability and prosperity for South Sudan are aspirations we all share. For democracy to take hold in South Sudan, its leaders must demonstrate genuine commitment to inclusivity, peace and national reconciliation,” the President said.
He said the implementation of the measures agreed by the Summit could help South Sudan strengthen its institutions and democratic practice.
“Only then can South Sudan begin in earnest to build its institutions, strengthen democratic practice and build a unified nation,” the President said.
In his opening address at the Summit earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Sudan’s leaders to urgently address outstanding challenges ahead of the elections, stressing that credible elections must be underpinned by an inclusive political process.
READ | Call for inclusive political process ahead of South Sudanese elections
– SAnews.gov.za
