AU urges South Sudan leaders to uphold ceasefire, peace agreement

The African Union has urged South Sudan’s political leaders to preserve the ceasefire, avoid unilateral measures and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement as the basis for completing the political transition, as the AU and regional leaders deliberate on the August assessment of the country’s preparedness for the December 2026 elections.

The remarks came during Tuesday’s meeting of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, which is considering the findings of the AU’s election preparedness assessment and practical steps needed to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.

AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Hadadi said the assessment and discussions should help strengthen the political and security conditions necessary for the elections.

“Our immediate priorities are clear and are to preserve the ceasefire, strengthen political confidence through inclusive dialogue, and support the conditions necessary for a peaceful and a credible electoral process,” Hadadi said.

She said the electoral process should contribute to ending the transitional period and establishing lasting stability in South Sudan.

“These efforts must serve a single overarching purpose which is to ensure that elections become a bridge out of the transition and the foundation for lasting stability for the people of South Sudan,” she said.

Hadadi urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities, uphold the permanent ceasefire and refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine the peace agreement.

She also called for constructive and inclusive national dialogue among South Sudanese stakeholders, saying political differences should not put the gains of the peace process at risk.

“South Sudan has come too far and sacrificed too much for political differences to place the gains of the peace process at risk,” Hadadi said.

The AU official reiterated that dialogue should continue, violence should be avoided and the Revitalized Peace Agreement should remain the basis for concluding the political transition.

“Our message is clear. Dialogue must continue, violence must be avoided, and the revitalized agreement must remain the basis for the credible conclusion of the political transition,” she said.

The C5 meeting is expected to consider the AU assessment of South Sudan’s electoral preparedness and deliberate on practical measures to address gaps identified ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.