President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the swift implementation of the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, and other detained opposition figures.
The pledge was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
Tinubu’s position was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, also known as the C-5 Plus Summit. The meeting was held in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The summit, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, focused on reviewing the state of the peace process in South Sudan and exploring urgent steps to prevent a relapse into conflict.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Shettima emphasised that Nigeria remains deeply committed to regional stability and the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. He stressed that confidence-building measures, including the release of political detainees, were critical to restoring trust among parties and sustaining the fragile peace.
“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,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
The Nigerian leader underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue, restraint, and adherence to previously agreed timelines to ensure that South Sudan does not slide back into violence. He also reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work with the African Union and other regional stakeholders to support mediation efforts and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
Tinubu’s intervention at the summit reflects Nigeria’s longstanding role in peacebuilding efforts across Africa, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Observers say his call for the release of Machar and other opposition leaders signals a push for renewed political engagement and reconciliation as the continent seeks to consolidate stability in South Sudan.
The C-5 Plus Summit concluded with renewed appeals for all parties to uphold their commitments under the revitalised peace deal and prioritise the welfare of the South Sudanese people.
