The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has renewed his call for concrete steps to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement to resolve the conflict in South Sudan, originally signed in 2015.
This statement came following the decision by South Sudan’s government to extend the transitional period by two years, pushing the elections from December 2024 to December 2026. The African Union emphasized the need for all parties to work towards the legitimate aspirations of the South Sudanese people for transparent and credible elections, which will enhance constitutional democracy and inclusive governance.
The AU Chairperson reaffirmed the organization’s strong commitment and solidarity with the government and people of South Sudan in achieving a successful political transition. He also urged the international community to continue supporting South Sudan in this critical phase.
South Sudan’s political process has been fraught with delays and challenges since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which ended a devastating civil war. Despite the agreement, intercommunal violence continues to pose significant challenges. The transitional government, led by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, has postponed national elections twice, most recently pushing them to December 2026.
The delay is due to unpreparedness and challenges in implementing key components of the peace deal, such as the establishment of essential institutions for a democratic election process. Issues such as political instability, economic hardships, and humanitarian crises further complicate the situation, with international bodies like the UN and AU emphasizing the need for continued international support.
