African Union Engages South Sudan Ahead of Elections

(JUBA) – The African Union High Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, known as C5, is visiting Juba from 14 to 16 January 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and preparations for the general elections scheduled for December 2026.

The delegation is led by H.E. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and includes representatives from Algeria, Rwanda and Nigeria. Chad, another member of the committee, sent apologies for its absence.

The visiting delegation was received by the Government of South Sudan, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation acting as host.

During the visit, the delegation met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, delivering messages and concerns from the member states.

According to the Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ministry, President Kiir welcomed the delegation, thanked them for their visit and encouraged continued support for South Sudan.

The President reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable peace, conducting credible general elections, national development and cooperation with international and regional partners to improve the lives of South Sudanese citizens.

The delegation also received a comprehensive briefing during a joint high level Ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The meeting reportedly covered the status of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, the political and economic situation in South Sudan, and cooperation with UNMISS, as well as other domestic and regional issues.

The Ministerial meeting was chaired by Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and attended by the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as Ministers of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Information, Communications Technology and Postal Services, Mining, Culture, Heritage and Museum, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and other senior government officials.

A statement released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the visit is an indicator of South Sudan’s commitment to peace, development and regional collaboration in the lead up to the 2026 general elections.