Declaration of African Heads of State on the Stability of South Sudan

(Adopted by the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee (C5), 15 February 2026 – Addis Ababa)

(ADISABABA, ETHIOPIA) – The Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), under the chairship of Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, convened on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa on 15 February 2026.

The meeting took note of introductory remarks by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, and presentations by Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, alongside C5 members and invited guests.

The Committee reaffirmed the AU’s respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan and reiterated its solidarity with the people and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) in their pursuit of durable peace, security, stability, and development—aligned with the AU’s continental goal of “Silencing the Guns.”

The Committee also acknowledged the critical role played by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since 2011 in supporting peace efforts, protecting civilians, preventing conflict, and facilitating humanitarian access, urging continued cooperation from the RTGoNU to enable effective mandate implementation.

Key Declarations

The C5 Heads of State and Government hereby declared the following:

1. Concern Over Security Situation

Expressed deep concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in South Sudan and the risk of a return to full-scale civil war, in violation of the ceasefire agreement and worsening humanitarian conditions.

2. Immediate Ceasefire

Demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, calling for accelerated unification of forces toward a permanent ceasefire.

3. Full Implementation of the Peace Agreement

Stressed that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remains the paramount framework for resolving the conflict and called for its full and faithful implementation.

4. National Dialogue

Urged parties to prioritize dialogue as the most constructive means of resolving outstanding issues. The RTGoNU was requested to resume an inclusive, transparent, and meaningful national dialogue without preconditions to build trust and national stability.

5. Elections by December 2026

Called on leaders to prioritize the organization of elections by December 2026, with no further extension of the transitional period beyond February 2027.
The Government of South Sudan was urged to provide adequate financial and substantive support to:

• National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC)

• National Elections Commission (NEC)

• Political Parties Council

These institutions are deemed essential for credible, free, and fair elections.

6. Roadmap for Elections

Directed the AU Commission to collaborate with RTGoNU institutions to develop a clear electoral roadmap and provide technical and financial support to ensure inclusive and credible elections in December 2026.

7. Humanitarian Support

Called upon international partners and humanitarian actors to mobilize resources to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.

8. Increased Support from Member States

Requested AU Member States, particularly the C5, to scale up support, including deployment of experts in:

• Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR)

• Security Sector Reform (SSR)

Financial and logistical assistance was also encouraged to support peaceful elections.

9. Regional and International Cooperation

Urged regional and international partners to provide predictable funding and technical resources to ensure successful completion of the peace process.

10. Political Detainees and National Cohesion

Called on the RTGoNU to consolidate progress toward elections, including consideration of releasing political detainees, especially Riek Machar, First Vice President, in the spirit of reconciliation and national cohesion.

11. Appointment of AU Special Envoy

Reiterated the call for the appointment of an AU High Representative/Special Envoy for South Sudan, at the level of a former Head of State or Government, to provide strategic oversight and work alongside IGAD appointees and the C5 in monitoring the peace implementation process.

Conclusion

The declaration underscores renewed continental commitment to preventing instability in South Sudan and ensuring that the peace process culminates in credible elections by December 2026. The AU reaffirmed its readiness to provide political, technical, and financial support to secure durable peace and stability in the country.