African diplomats called on South Sudan’s transitional government to release political detainees and engage in inclusive dialogue ahead of elections scheduled for December, as the African Union intensified efforts to support the country’s fragile peace process.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Africa Day celebrations in Juba on Sunday, Mahlodi Samuel Muofhe, South Africa’s ambassador to South Sudan said the release of detainees was among key resolutions adopted by the African Union mechanism supporting South Sudan’s transition.
“Political detainees should be released unconditionally. I think that was the main thing as far as C5 is concerned. I think that is still the call,” Muofhe told journalists.
South Africa chairs the African Union Ad Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, which is leading diplomatic efforts to support implementation of the 2018 peace agreement and preparations for elections.
The agreement ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, a key signatory to the peace deal who is currently under detention in Juba.
Muofhe said the AU Peace and Security Council had made similar recommendations during recent visits to South Sudan, stressing the need for broad political participation to ensure credible elections.
“South Sudan must ensure that it embarks on an inclusive dialogue process involving all political parties in South Sudan,” he said.
He said the C5 was mandated to help South Sudan create conditions necessary for democratic elections and a peaceful political transition.
“We hope that as it does, it will also ensure that effective, inclusive dialogue of all parties in South Sudan takes place,” Muofhe added.
For his part, Abdiwali Mohammed Ali, the African Union Commission’s special representative to South Sudan, said the continental body had stepped up diplomatic engagement in recent months in support of peace and stability.
According to Ali, South Sudan recently hosted visits by the AU C5, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and the AU Peace and Security Council, and is also expecting a visit from the AU Panel of the Wise.
“This is the amount of attention that South Sudan is getting. AU is pushing very hard for South Sudan to achieve peace and stability,” Ali said.
Ali expressed optimism about the country’s prospects if peace is achieved.
“Once this country achieves peace and stability, I’m definitely sure South Sudanese will be the Singapore of the Horn of Africa,” he said.
He added that the AU expected South Sudan to hold its first elections since independence in 2011 and establish a new political dispensation by February next year.
Meanwhile, Hazem Mamdouh Fawzy, Egypt’s ambassador to South Sudan, highlighted the importance of water security and regional cooperation during Africa Day celebrations held under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Fawzy said African countries should cooperate on shared natural resources in line with international law to promote development and prosperity across the continent.
The remarks come amid mounting political tensions and concerns over delays in the implementation of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement ahead of the planned elections.
South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections because of insecurity, funding shortages and disputes among political parties over implementation of key provisions of the peace deal.
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