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President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s strong support for peace efforts in South Sudan, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, along with other detained opposition leaders.
Tinubu’s message was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee meeting on South Sudan, known as the C-5 Plus Summit. The meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the African Union summit and was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaking at the summit, Tinubu urged South Sudan’s authorities to free Machar and other opposition figures without delay. He also stressed the need for an inclusive national dialogue that would bring all parties together to promote reconciliation and move the country forward.
According to him, all stakeholders must take part in the mediation process sincerely and without setting conditions that could slow down progress.
Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria, alongside other African nations, remains committed to supporting South Sudan in its journey towards lasting peace, stability and development. He said Nigeria is ready to continue working with the South Sudanese Transitional Government and its people to help them achieve their long-standing dream of unity and progress.
He also highlighted the importance of national unity, especially during the country’s transition period, noting that transparent, peaceful and inclusive elections are key to rebuilding trust and stability.
Tinubu further pointed out that ongoing insecurity and political tensions are still affecting critical reforms, including security restructuring and the development of a new constitution.
In his remarks, Ramaphosa admitted that progress on implementing the peace agreement signed eight years ago has been slow. However, he described the summit as a clear sign that African leaders remain determined to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, who also chairs the regional bloc IGAD, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to peace and suggested appointing a lead mediator to help drive the process forward and address new challenges.
Other leaders present at the meeting included Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as well as representatives from Algeria, Chad, Rwanda and other African countries.
In a separate development, Tinubu also pledged Nigeria’s full support for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. He said Nigeria would provide office facilities, ships, helicopters and personnel to strengthen the Combined Maritime Task Force and help combat organised crime and improve safety in the region.
Nigeria’s position once again reflects its leading role in promoting peace, stability and security across Africa.
