President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong support for the South Sudan peace agreement. Specifically, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other detained opposition leaders.
Tinubu made this appeal during the C-5 Plus Summit in Addis Ababa. The summit took place alongside the 39th African Union Assembly. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at the event, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the meeting.
In a statement issued Monday, Tinubu urged the South Sudanese government to free Machar without delay. Furthermore, he stressed the need for an all-inclusive national dialogue. He added that all parties must join mediation talks without preconditions. Otherwise, progress toward lasting peace could stall.
Moreover, Tinubu emphasized that unity among political elites is essential. In his view, inclusive and transparent elections are the only way to build public trust. Consequently, he believes such steps will help secure South Sudan’s future.
Nigeria stands with other African nations in supporting peace and development in South Sudan. Accordingly, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the Transitional Government of Unity. He also pledged continued support for the country’s path to lasting stability.
He warned, however, that ongoing insecurity is slowing key reforms. These include security sector restructuring and drafting a permanent constitution. To counter this, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s role in the new Regional Partnership for Democracy.
For his part, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the slow progress on the South Sudan peace agreement. It has been eight years since its signing. Nevertheless, he called the C-5 Plus Summit a clear sign of Africa’s shared resolve to help South Sudan.
Similarly, Djibouti’s President and IGAD Chair Ismail Omar Guelleh spoke in support of renewed efforts. He proposed appointing a lead mediator to track implementation and address emerging challenges.
The summit also brought together top officials from across the continent. Attendees included AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and representatives from Chad and Rwanda.
In a related move, Nigeria pledged full support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea. Tinubu said Nigeria will provide office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary staff. This contribution, he explained, aims to fight transnational crime and boost maritime security.
Taken together, these actions reflect Nigeria’s dual focus. On one hand, it seeks to advance the South Sudan peace agreement. On the other, it works to strengthen regional cooperation for peace, security, and democratic resilience.
