President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, urging the immediate and unconditional release of the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call at the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, known as the C-5 Plus Summit, held on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He appealed to South Sudan’s government to release Machar and other detained opposition figures and to convene an all-inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation forum.
“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, urging all parties to engage constructively in mediation efforts without preconditions.
The President said Nigeria remained committed to supporting the South Sudanese Transitional Government of National Unity and its people in their pursuit of lasting peace and development.
He warned that continued insecurity and political tension were stalling key transitional processes, particularly security sector reforms and constitution drafting, and stressed the importance of conducting inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections to rebuild trust.
Earlier, Chair of the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, called on stakeholders to recommit to the revitalised agreement, lamenting slow implementation eight years after its endorsement.
Other leaders, including the President of Djibouti and Chair of IGAD, Ismail Omar Guelleh, proposed the appointment of a lead mediator to monitor implementation and address emerging challenges.
Meanwhile, Nigeria pledged to host the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, offering office facilities, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel to enhance maritime security and combat transnational organised crime.
Vice President Shettima said Nigeria’s support reflects its broader commitment to regional security, debt sustainability, and coordinated African responses to emerging challenges.
He also welcomed progress on the African Standby Force and backed efforts to advance the activation of the African Court of Justice and strengthen continental institutions.
By Deji Elumoye
