Nigeria renews pledge for South Sudan peace, demands Machar release
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria has declared strong support for South Sudan’s peace process, with President Bola Tinubu urging the immediate release of detained First Vice President Riek Machar during an African Union summit.
A statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) disclosed this on Monday.
Speaking Sunday via Vice President Kashim Shettima at the AU’s C-5 Plus Summit on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly, Tinubu called for action.
“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,” he stated.
He added, “We cannot allow South Sudan to continue on its current trajectory. Without national unity and elite consensus, not much can be achieved.”
Tinubu pushed for an all-inclusive national dialogue, constructive engagement without preconditions, and transparent elections to build trust.
Nigeria also highlighted its Regional Partnership for Democracy as a contribution to resolving the conflict, amid delays in security reforms and constitution drafting.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, chairing the committee, praised leaders’ commitment, noting the summit shows resolve for a “lasting solution in the interest of the people of South Sudan.”
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh proposed a lead IGAD mediator to track progress.
In a related AU move, Nigeria committed full support as host of the Combined Maritime Task Force headquarters.
Vice President Shettima announced, “Nigeria will provide infrastructure, including office buildings, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel to ensure that the Force remains effective.”
The pledges address maritime crimes, calling for coordinated African action on security, debt, and mineral exploitation.
Shettima also backed faster African Standby Force rollout and the African Court of Justice.
