President William Ruto has called for inclusive dialogue in South Sudan as the country prepares for general elections slated for December 2026.
Ruto said broad-based engagement will be critical in guaranteeing the credibility of the electoral process expected to mark the end of the transitional period.
He urged the inclusion of hold-out groups and parties left out of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity to resolve outstanding issues under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and fast-track key transitional milestones.
“This pivotal moment calls for renewed focus, collective resolve, strengthened partnerships and sustained vigilance by all stakeholders to ensure that South Sudan’s political transition is firmly anchored in peace, inclusivity and stability,” he said.
The President spoke on Sunday when he addressed the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5 Plus) on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He noted that the planned conclusion of the transition through elections faces hurdles, citing incomplete pre-conditions such as a sustainable ceasefire, humanitarian access, civilian protection, confidence-building measures, constitutional review and a national census.
“The twice-extended transitional period under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement is approaching its conclusion, with general elections expected by the end of 2026,” he said.
President Ruto urged the summit to rally behind the shared goal of delivering a peaceful and successful end to the transition, culminating in genuine and credible elections.
The head of state at the same time called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, release of political detainees, enhanced civilian protection and urgent humanitarian access.
He further proposed the formation of an IGAD Sub-Committee of Heads of State and Government on South Sudan, bringing together frontline states to work in coordination with the AU-C5 Plus in providing sustained political oversight and strategic guidance.
In addition, he suggested the establishment of an IGAD Ministerial Sub-Committee, working closely with the AU-C5 Plus and the IGAD Secretariat, to monitor progress and issue regular implementation reports.
The President appealed to regional and international partners to extend technical support and predictable financing to facilitate completion of the peace process.
He also backed the convening, under IGAD leadership and in coordination with the AU-C5 Plus and international partners, of an inclusive dialogue bringing together South Sudanese leaders and key stakeholders to forge consensus on critical issues.
President Ruto said the C5 Plus forum offers a vital diplomatic platform to harmonise all South Sudan peace initiatives within a unified regional framework.
Aligning the Tumaini Initiative under IGAD and AU auspices, he observed, would consolidate mediation authority, prevent duplication and strengthen collective guarantorship.
“Such coordinated architecture would send a clear signal that completion of the transition must proceed through inclusive, regionally endorsed and credible mechanisms,” he said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the committee, also called for dialogue among the warring parties and reaffirmed the panel’s commitment to supporting a peaceful transition.
Others who addressed the meeting were Presidents Ismail Omar Guelleh and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Vice-Presidents Jessica Alupo and Kashim Shettima, and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.
Edited by John Majau
