Addis ababa: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a cessation of all violence and hostilities in South Sudan. The President delivered the closing remarks at the African Union (AU) Ad-hoc High Level Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit, held in Ethiopia on Sunday. The summit was convened on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government in Addis Ababa.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan as the key legal instrument for guiding progress in the country. He urged all parties to engage in inclusive dialogue as per the agreement, stressing the need to end violence and hostilities to facilitate the electoral processes.
Recommendations from the summit included an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees such as Vice President Riek Machar, and meaningful, inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. The summit also stressed the importance of holding elections on schedule, without further postponements, and ensuring they are free, fair, and open to all eligible South Sudanese citizens.
The summit's outcomes highlighted the necessity of coordination through the IGAD Secretariat and C5, with the Chair of the Commission working alongside three IGAD Heads of State to oversee the implementation process in South Sudan. President Ramaphosa further emphasized that the South Sudanese government should establish minimum standards to enable democratic voting and credible election preparations, as outlined by the UN Under-Secretary General.
As the country approaches its December elections, President Ramaphosa underscored the need for adequate funding to ensure the elections' credibility. He called on South Sudanese leaders to act in good faith, fostering national cohesion, solidarity, and reconciliation while upholding the rule of law. He affirmed regional leaders' commitment to assisting South Sudan's transition to peace and stability, while respecting the country's sovereignty and desire for non-interference.
President Ramaphosa noted that President Salva Kiir expressed commitment to adhere to the roadmap and sought support without undue interference. The AU's recent election of South Africa to a two-year term on its Peace and Security Council further underscores the country's role in promoting peace in the region.