President Tinubu Urges Immediate Release of South Sudan's Vice President at AU Summit
President Bola Tinubu has strongly reaffirmed Nigeria's unwavering commitment to the swift and effective implementation of South Sudan's revitalised peace agreement. In a significant diplomatic move, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other detained opposition figures who are currently being held in South Sudan.
Vice President Shettima Delivers Tinubu's Position at C-5 Plus Summit
President Tinubu's firm position was formally delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, which is also widely known as the C-5 Plus Summit. This crucial meeting was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, strategically taking place on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The summit was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the discussions.
"We wish to specifically call on the government to consider the immediate and unconditional release from detention of the Vice President and other key opposition figures," President Tinubu declared through his representative. "It is also imperative to convene an all-inclusive South Sudan national dialogue and reconciliation forum. We call on all parties to engage constructively with authorities in the mediation process without preconditions," he emphasized, highlighting the need for genuine dialogue.
Nigeria's Solidarity with South Sudanese Aspirations for Peace
President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria stands firmly with other African nations in supporting the South Sudanese people's deep desire for sustainable peace, comprehensive development, and a timely resolution of the ongoing conflict that has plagued the nation. "We support the lofty ambition of all parties and wish to reiterate our doctrinal commitment to accompany the South Sudanese Transitional Government of Unity as well as the good people of the country to actualise their aspiration for lasting peace and development," he added, underscoring Nigeria's role as a regional partner.
Tinubu further highlighted the critical importance of national unity and elite consensus during South Sudan's delicate transitional phase. He urged African leaders to prioritize inclusive, peaceful, and transparent elections as the essential foundation for restoring public trust and long-term stability in the war-torn nation. The Nigerian leader also referenced Nigeria's active involvement in the newly launched Regional Partnership for Democracy, warning that persistent insecurity and political tensions continue to undermine key transitional processes, including vital security sector reforms and constitutional development.
AU Leaders Acknowledge Slow Progress and Propose Solutions
In his opening remarks at the summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that eight years after the revitalised peace agreement was originally adopted, implementation has been disappointingly slow and fraught with challenges. He described the C-5 Plus Summit as "a demonstration of the commitment of leaders to finding a lasting solution in the interest of the people of South Sudan," reflecting the collective determination of African nations.
Djibouti's President and IGAD Chairman, Ismail Omar Guelleh, reiterated the bloc's steadfast dedication to peace efforts in South Sudan. He proposed appointing a lead mediator to oversee implementation and address emerging challenges that threaten the fragile peace process. Other distinguished attendees included AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and high-level representatives from Chad, Rwanda, and several other African nations.
Nigeria Pledges Maritime Security Support in Gulf of Guinea
In a separate but related development, Nigeria has pledged full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force operating in the Gulf of Guinea. President Tinubu announced that the country would provide "office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel to ensure the Force remains effective in combating transnational organised crimes and enhancing maritime security across the region." This commitment underscores Nigeria's broader strategic role in promoting security and stability across Africa, both on land and at sea.
