Nigeria, South Sudan pledge stronger ties, push for peace ahead of 2026 elections

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has claimed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, met with South Sudan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, David Buom Choat, to reaffirm bilateral cooperation and accelerate peace efforts in South Sudan ahead of next year’s presidential election.

According to a statement obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, discussions centred on “the ongoing peace process and national reconciliation efforts in South Sudan, as well as the strengthening of relations between the countries.”

The release said Nigeria urged South Sudan “to rededicate itself to the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Accord, based on openness, transparency, and inclusion, which should culminate in the scheduled Presidential elections in December 2026.”

The statement highlighted Nigeria’s continued support for the peace process through diplomatic channels and manpower assistance, noting that Abuja has deployed Technical Aid Corps volunteers to South Sudan and “stands ready to deploy additional volunteers in response to requests from the government of South Sudan.”

The ministry strongly condemned a recent assault on a Nigerian diplomat in Juba and called for a full investigation.

“He strongly condemned the act and called for a thorough investigation, as well as the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators,” the statement said, adding that Nigeria expects South Sudan to “take concrete measures to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian diplomatic personnel in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention,” the statement noted.

Both sides also agreed on the need for credible, free, fair and inclusive elections as essential to consolidating democratic governance and lasting peace in South Sudan.

The South Sudanese envoy reportedly conveyed his government’s regret over the assault and said the matter was under investigation.

To institutionalise cooperation, the two diplomats agreed on establishing a Nigeria–South Sudan Ministerial Commission to provide “a structured platform for regular high-level consultations and the advancement of mutual interests in political, economic, security and socio-cultural fields,” the release said.

The ministry recalled Nigeria’s historical role in South Sudan’s path to independence, including earlier Abuja rounds of talks, and noted that President Bola Tinubu, as a member of the AU Ad hoc Committee of Five on South Sudan — remains “deeply committed to promoting peace and national reconciliation in South Sudan.”

The statement also encouraged completion of judicial proceedings involving South Sudan’s imprisoned Vice President, Rick Mercia,

“in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice,” it said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded by reaffirming “Nigeria’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Government and people of South Sudan in the pursuit of peace, security and shared prosperity.”