President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s strong commitment to the speedy implementation of the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan, urging the country’s government to immediately and unconditionally release First Vice President Riek Machar and other detained opposition leaders.
Tinubu made the call during the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan meeting, also known as the C-5 Plus Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The meeting was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Nigerian leader was represented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also stressed the need for an all-inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation forum in South Sudan, urging all parties involved in the crisis to participate in the mediation process without conditions.
Tinubu said Nigeria aligns with other African countries in recognising the South Sudanese people’s desire for peace, development, and a lasting end to the conflict.
“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.
He further noted that unity among political leaders and national consensus remain key to ensuring progress in the country’s transition, stressing that inclusive and credible elections are necessary to restore confidence in South Sudan’s future.
Tinubu also drew attention to the negative impact of insecurity and political tensions on the country’s transition, including security reforms and constitution drafting.
At the summit, President Ramaphosa praised African leaders for their determination to find a lasting solution to the South Sudan conflict, noting that the peace agreement had suffered major delays even eight years after it was endorsed.
Similarly, Djibouti’s President and IGAD Chairman, Ismail Omar Guelleh, reaffirmed the regional bloc’s commitment to peace and proposed the appointment of a lead mediator to closely monitor the peace process and respond to emerging issues.
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Other notable leaders at the meeting included the AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and representatives from Chad, Rwanda, and other countries.
Nigeria Pledges Support for Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security
In a related development, Tinubu also pledged Nigeria’s full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea.
He said Nigeria would provide office facilities, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel to ensure the task force remains effective in tackling transnational organised crimes and strengthening maritime security in the region.
