South Sudan’s Information Minister Says Only Nigeria Called for Machar’s Release, Not AU C5

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan 

The Government of South Sudan has clarified that recent calls for the release of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar reflect the position of Nigeria alone, and not the collective stance of the African Union C5 Plus.

Speaking to journalists in Juba on Thursday, the Minister of Information, Ateny Wek Ateny, said remarks made during last week’s summit were individual views expressed by Nigeria as a member state.

“That view of releasing Machar was expressed by Nigeria as a member of the C5. One individual member state’s view cannot be taken as the position underlying the whole issue,” Ateny stated.

He added that the official communiqué of the summit, which is yet to be published, will clarify the collective position of the AU C5 Plus

In response, a press statement from Dr Machar’s office, issued by his Press Secretary Puok Both Baluang, welcomed Nigeria’s call for his “immediate and unconditional release,” describing it as critical to rebuilding trust in the country’s political transition.

The statement noted that Nigeria’s position aligns with the spirit and provisions of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and described it as a sign of renewed commitment to full implementation of the peace accord.

Nigeria’s position was presented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Minister Ateny reiterated that South Sudan’s sovereignty must be respected, stressing that no external party should interfere in the country’s internal affairs, including judicial processes.

Dr Machar and seven co-accused are currently facing trial on charges including treason and murder. The case follows his house detention in March 2025 in connection with an attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. Authorities allege the assault was carried out by SPLM/A-IO forces allied with the militia group known as the White Army.

According to prosecutors, 257 soldiers were killed in the incident, and military equipment valued at approximately 58 million US dollars was either destroyed or seized.

Machar’s detention has become a sensitive issue in the ongoing implementation of the revitalised peace agreement, raising regional concerns over transitional arrangements and the roadmap toward elections.

The government maintains that the legal process must take its course, while political stakeholders continue to debate the implications for the country’s fra

gile peace and stability.