Dr Riek Machar, Leader of SPLM-IO

Representatives from France and Latvia at the United Nations called on South Sudan to release suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and all political detainees during a UN Security Council session on the country’s ongoing transition.

Addressing the Council during its 10,206th meeting, diplomats from both nations warned that the ongoing political impasse and detention of opposition leaders threaten peace and stability ahead of planned national elections.

The representative of France characterized the political landscape in South Sudan as highly unstable, expressing concern over the continued legal proceedings and detention of key political figures despite regional appeals.

“The political situation in the country remains tense and precarious,” the French delegate stated. “We note that the calls from the African Union to lift proceedings against persons detained for political reasons, including First Vice President Riek Machar, have not been heeded. We once again call upon the South Sudanese authorities to follow up on this.”

France reiterated that a return to genuine, inclusive dialogue among signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement is the only viable path toward completing the democratic transition safely.

In her address, the Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN, Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, emphasized that urgent confidence-building measures are needed to prevent widespread escalation before, during, and after the upcoming polls.

“We urge the authorities to engage in a genuine and inclusive high-level dialogue, rebuild consensus and agree on the safeguards needed to ensure peaceful, inclusive, free and fair elections,” Ambassador Pavļuta-Deslandes said.

“We also call for the release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other political detainees as an urgent confidence-building measure. Addressing these gaps is essential to prevent violence before, during and after the elections.”

Latvia further cautioned against unilateral actions that bypass agreed peace framework procedures, warning that eroding political trust jeopardizes the integrity of the entire transitional period.