Tinubu calls for release of South Sudan Vice President

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the swift implementation of South Sudan’s revitalised peace agreement, urging the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other detained opposition figures.

Tinubu’s position was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, also known as the C-5 Plus Summit. The meeting was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“We wish to specifically call on the government to consider the immediate and unconditional release from detention of the Vice President and other key opposition figures.

“It is also imperative to convene an all-inclusive South Sudan national dialogue and reconciliation forum. We call on all parties to engage constructively with authorities in the mediation process without preconditions,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that Nigeria stands with other African nations in supporting the South Sudanese people’s desire for peace, sustainable development, and a timely resolution of the ongoing conflict.

“We support the lofty ambition of all parties and wish to reiterate our doctrinal commitment to accompany the South Sudanese Transitional Government of Unity as well as the good people of the country to actualise their aspiration for lasting peace and development,” he added

Tinubu highlighted the importance of national unity and elite consensus during South Sudan’s transitional phase, urging African leaders to prioritise inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections as the foundation for restoring trust and stability.

He also referenced Nigeria’s involvement in the newly launched Regional Partnership for Democracy and warned that insecurity and political tensions continue to undermine key transitional processes, including security sector reforms and constitutional development.

In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that eight years after the revitalised agreement was adopted, implementation has been slow. He described the C-5 Plus Summit as “a demonstration of the commitment of leaders to finding a lasting solution in the interest of the people of South Sudan.”

Djibouti’s President and IGAD Chairman, Ismail Omar Guelleh, reiterated the bloc’s dedication to peace efforts and proposed appointing a lead mediator to oversee implementation and address emerging challenges.

Other attendees included AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and representatives from Chad, Rwanda and other nations.

Separately, Nigeria pledged full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea. Tinubu said the country would provide “office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel to ensure the Force remains effective in combating transnational organised crimes and enhancing maritime security across the region.”