AU C5 calls for electoral roadmap, release of Riek Machar ahead of December polls
The African Union’s C5 has called on South Sudan to publish a feasible, consensual and time-bound electoral roadmap ahead of the 22 December 2026 elections, while urging the government to consider releasing political detainees, including Dr. Riek Machar, as part of efforts towards national cohesion and reconciliation.
The call was made in a declaration adopted at the C5 Plus virtual summit on 29 September, as the regional bloc outlined political, legal, technical and financial measures it said are required to support the electoral process and the conclusion of the transitional period.
The C5 said the electoral roadmap should clearly set out the legal basis, scope and sequencing of the elections and should be based on national consensus.
In its declaration, the C5 “Appeal[ed] to the Government of South Sudan to consider the recommendations of the AU PAM to South Sudan and to publish a feasible, consensual and time-bound electoral roadmap that clearly sets out the legal basis, scope and sequencing of elections.”
The C5 also called on the government to provide predictable, adequate and timely resources to key transitional institutions, including the National Elections Commission, Political Parties Council and National Constitutional Review Commission, to support preparations for the elections.
The declaration reaffirmed the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) as the framework for the country’s political transition.
The C5 “Strongly urge[d] the parties to comply fully with the provisions of the R-ARCSS and demonstrate commitment to its full implementation,” while calling on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, uphold the Permanent Ceasefire and refrain from unilateral measures that undermine the agreement.
On political dialogue, the C5 took note of the Inter-Party Dialogue on Election-Related Matters, which began on 24 September, and encouraged the parties involved to engage constructively on outstanding electoral issues.
It called for continued engagement with opposition parties and other stakeholders currently outside the dialogue, saying their concerns should be considered in efforts to build wider political consensus around the electoral process.
The declaration also called for broader and inclusive participation, including women and youth, and requested the AU Special Envoy to provide a platform for hold-out groups to engage with the government.
On political detainees, the C5 called on the government to take urgent steps towards consolidating progress achieved during the transition and laying the groundwork for the elections.
It specifically called for “the consideration of releasing all political detainees, especially Dr. Riek Machar, in the spirit of national cohesion and reconciliation.”
The C5 also urged AU member states and international partners to provide technical and financial support based on verified electoral needs and the nationally agreed electoral roadmap, while reaffirming coordination among the AU, IGAD, R-JMEC and the United Nations.
The declaration further called on the government to address the political, legal, technical, operational, financial and security requirements necessary for what it described as “peaceful, credible, inclusive and transparent” elections on 22 December 2026.
