President Ramaphosa Leads African Union High-Level Committee Meeting on South Sudan

Focus on South Sudan Stability

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently convened a virtual meeting of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan. The session brought together regional leaders and stakeholders to evaluate the current political and security landscape in South Sudan. The primary objective of the meeting was to assess the progress made in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Addressing Electoral Preparations

A central theme of the discussions was the roadmap toward South Sudan's upcoming general elections. The committee reviewed the necessary conditions required to ensure that the electoral process is credible, peaceful, and inclusive. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in supporting South Sudan's transition, noting that 'the stability of South Sudan is inextricably linked to the stability of the broader East African region'.

Key Discussion Points

During the virtual summit, participants addressed several critical areas, including:

• The status of the permanent constitution-making process.
• Security sector reforms and the unification of forces.
• Logistical and financial requirements for the electoral commission.
• Continued diplomatic engagement with the transitional government in Juba.

Commitment to Regional Peace

The African Union remains committed to facilitating a sustainable political solution in South Sudan. The committee concluded the meeting by reaffirming its support for the transitional government and urging all parties to adhere to the timelines established for the democratic transition. South Africa continues to play a leading role in these mediation efforts, underscoring its commitment to the AU's 'Silencing the Guns' initiative across the continent.