Tinubu Demands Release of Riek Machar, Pushes Swift South Sudan Peace Deal at AU Summit
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the speedy implementation of the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other detained opposition leaders.
Tinubu’s position was conveyed 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, held in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The summit 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,” Tinubu stated.
He also urged the convening of an all-inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation forum in South Sudan, calling on all parties to participate constructively in mediation efforts without preconditions.
Nigeria, he said, stands with other African nations in recognising the South Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development.
“We reiterate our doctrinal commitment to accompany the South Sudanese Transitional Government of Unity and the good people of the country to actualise their aspiration for lasting peace and development,” he added.
Tinubu emphasised that national unity and elite consensus are essential to advancing South Sudan’s fragile transition. He urged African leaders to prioritise inclusive, peaceful, and transparent elections as the foundation for rebuilding trust and confidence in the country’s future leadership.
He also referenced Nigeria’s involvement in the Regional Partnership for Democracy and highlighted how insecurity and political tensions continue to hinder security sector reforms and constitution drafting in South Sudan.
President Ramaphosa described the C-5 Plus Summit as a clear demonstration of African leaders’ resolve to secure lasting peace in South Sudan, noting that implementation of the revitalised agreement remains delayed eight years after its endorsement.
The President of Djibouti and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ismail Omar Guelleh, also reaffirmed regional support for peace efforts and proposed appointing a lead mediator to oversee implementation and address emerging challenges.
Other key participants included the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, and the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, alongside representatives from Chad, Rwanda, and other African nations.
In a related development, Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s full infrastructural and operational backing for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea.
He said Nigeria would provide office facilities, naval vessels, helicopters, and temporary personnel to strengthen regional efforts against transnational organised crime and bolster maritime security.
The twin commitments underscore Nigeria’s expanding diplomatic and security engagement across Africa, positioning the country as a key stakeholder in both continental peacebuilding and maritime stability. Read More
