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News Agencies: Al-Wadi Newspaper
African leaders have agreed to move forward with implementing a roadmap that will lead South Sudan toward general elections scheduled for December 2026, emphasizing the need for full adherence to the revitalized 2018 peace agreement and the acceleration of its provisions as the legal framework for the transitional period.
This came following high-level meetings under the auspices of the African Union, attended by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and several regional leaders. Participants stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire, releasing political detainees—including First Vice President Riek Machar Teny—and creating an environment for an inclusive national dialogue involving all parties without exception.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that organizing free and fair elections requires adequate funding, improved security conditions, and completion of transitional arrangements, including the integration of forces. Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto called for prioritizing national interest and avoiding divisions to ensure a peaceful and stable transition.
In this context, the African Union’s “C5” committee nominated former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to lead and oversee the resumption of high-level peace talks. This step aims to bring together President Salva Kiir and opposition leaders amid demands for urgent confidence-building measures, foremost among them the release of Riek Machar.
The South Sudanese government, for its part, reiterated its commitment to the roadmap while stressing the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty in the provision of international support. Meanwhile, questions about President Salva Kiir’s health arose after he was seen struggling to walk.
The African initiative aims to prevent any political escalation, revive the stalled peace process, and push for full implementation of the peace agreement, with regional hopes that the December 2026 elections will mark a turning point in ending the transitional period and achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
