By Issa Hussein - Reporter
South Sudan, June 24, 2026 - The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace, stability, and democratic transition in South Sudan following a high-level briefing by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on the country's evolving political and humanitarian situation.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received the briefing from Kikwete, who serves as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
During the meeting, Kikwete updated the AU leadership on his recent consultations with South Sudanese stakeholders and regional leaders, including talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Juba. He also briefed the Chairperson on engagements with the Presidents of Kenya and Uganda, as well as Ethiopia's Prime Minister.
While in Juba, Kikwete held consultations with representatives of the African Group of Ambassadors, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the Troika, and the European Union. He emphasized the importance of coordinated international support in advancing peace and stability in South Sudan, and encouraged continued collaboration among development partners and stakeholders.
The discussions focused on efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which remains the cornerstone framework for achieving lasting peace, national reconciliation, and democratic governance in the country.
Kikwete highlighted ongoing cooperation between the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations in supporting inclusive political dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives. He also provided updates on progress and outstanding challenges related to key transitional milestones, including security sector reforms, the constitution-making process, expansion of civic and political space, and preparations for future elections.
Youssouf commended Kikwete for his continued diplomatic engagement and leadership in promoting peace and regional cooperation in South Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa.
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The AU Commission Chairperson reiterated the continental body's unwavering support for the people of South Sudan and urged all parties to honour their commitments under the peace agreement. He called on political leaders and stakeholders to engage constructively and cooperate with AU and IGAD-led initiatives aimed at advancing the peace process.
Youssouf also recalled the February 2026 meeting of the C5, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which reaffirmed the R-ARCSS as the principal framework for securing sustainable peace, advancing constitutional reforms, and guiding South Sudan's transition toward democratic governance.
Both leaders underscored the importance of dialogue, consensus-building, and the timely implementation of agreed transitional measures, describing them as essential for achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in South Sudan.
The briefing comes amid continued regional and international efforts to support South Sudan's peace process and ensure the successful implementation of commitments under the revitalised peace agreement.