Efforts Intensify to Resolve Political Differences Before Transitional Period Ends

Background

The African Union’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, has put forward a proposal for a retreat involving South Sudan’s political leaders to be held in South Africa. The aim is to address and resolve outstanding issues before the end of the country’s transitional period, as South Sudan continues to grapple with instability and delays in its political process.

The C5 Committee’s Proposal

Led by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, the C5 made the proposal during meetings in Juba on January 15, 2026. The committee met with eight stakeholder representatives involved in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, including members from civil society, faith-based groups, women, youth, and academia.

During these discussions, the committee reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting a credible political transition in South Sudan. Stakeholders were also briefed on an upcoming AU summit on South Sudan, planned for February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Stakeholder Concerns and Demands

Stakeholders expressed several urgent concerns to the C5, including:

• Immediate ceasefire in accordance with the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement
• Release of political detainees, such as detained First Vice President Riek Machar
• Launch of an inclusive national dialogue
• Genuine preparations for peaceful, credible elections in a safe political and security environment
• Appointment of an AU high-level representative for South Sudan—preferably a former African president—to monitor and support the transition

Stakeholders warned that South Sudan risks sliding toward renewed, full-scale conflict due to ongoing fighting between government forces and opposition groups. This instability threatens the country’s ability to hold free and peaceful general elections.

Civil society leader Edmund Yakani described the meeting as positive but called for stronger, more concrete action from the AU. He emphasized that while responsibility for peace primarily rests with South Sudan’s leaders, their lack of seriousness and failure to hold spoilers accountable has undermined stability.

AU Delegation’s Engagements and Statements

After meeting with stakeholders, the AU delegation held talks with President Salva Kiir and other government ministers. In a joint statement, Ronald Lamola stressed the importance of a nationwide ceasefire and inclusive dialogue to create the conditions necessary for free, fair, and inclusive elections.

South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Monday Semaya Kumba reiterated the government’s commitment to peace, elections, and cooperation with both regional and international partners.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this visit marked the C5’s second trip to Juba. The delegation included representatives from South Africa, Algeria, Rwanda, and Nigeria, with Chad absent from the meeting.

Role of the C5 Committee

The C5 was established by the African Union to support the implementation of South Sudan’s peace agreement. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced persistent instability and repeated setbacks in its efforts to achieve a stable political transition.

Looking Ahead

The future of South Sudan’s political transition remains uncertain, with hopes pinned on the proposed retreat in South Africa and upcoming AU engagements. Stakeholders continue to urge the AU for inclusive, actionable decisions at the Peace and Security Council meeting scheduled for January 19, 2026, and insist on the need for broader engagement with legitimate parties to the peace agreement.