NIGERIA: Nigeria Backs South Sudan Peace Push, Urges Machar’s Release At AU Talks

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigeria has renewed its diplomatic push for stability in South Sudan, calling for the immediate release of detained opposition leaders and accelerated implementation of an existing peace agreement, during high-level deliberations on the margins of an African Union summit in Ethiopia.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the meeting by Vice President Kashim Shettima, outlined Nigeria’s position at a special session of the African Union committee on South Sudan, stressing that progress toward national reconciliation remains critical to ending years of instability.

He said Nigeria’s priority recommendation was the unconditional release of South Sudan’s detained First Vice President, Riek Machar, alongside other opposition figures, as a confidence-building measure.

The president said: “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.”

Nigeria, he noted, aligns with other African states in supporting a swift execution of the revitalised peace framework to stabilise South Sudan and lay foundations for credible governance and development.

He said:“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.

“We cannot allow South Sudan to continue on its current trajectory. Without national unity and elite consensus, not much can be achieved on the transition programme in South Sudan.”

The Nigerian leader further urged stakeholders to prioritise inclusive elections capable of restoring public confidence in political institutions, warning that prolonged insecurity continues to slow reform efforts.

The high-level engagement, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, brought together regional leaders and mediators seeking renewed momentum in the peace process. Participants acknowledged persistent implementation delays while emphasising dialogue and coordination as pathways to resolution.

Separately, Nigeria pledged operational backing for a proposed maritime security force in the Gulf of Guinea, with Vice President Shettima announcing Abuja’s readiness to host the taskforce headquarters and provide infrastructure, logistics and temporary personnel to support regional anti-crime operations.

The discussions took place during the continental summit in Addis Ababa, where African leaders reviewed broader security and governance priorities, including institutional reforms and cooperati

ve defence mechanisms.