The African Union (AU) on Tuesday, August 12, called for a permanent ceasefire and full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan following a three-day field mission to Juba, the country's capital. The delegation, comprising representatives of 15 members of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), engaged with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and other political leaders on the ongoing implementation of the revitalized peace accord as well as the December 2026 elections, which will end the transition period in the conflict-hit country. The council stressed the need to ensure the full implementation of the remaining tasks in the revitalized agreement, and called for a permanent ceasefire and protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, the AUPSC said in a statement. Commending the commitment expressed by South Sudanese political leaders for the completion of the transition process, the council called for an inclusive political high-level dialogue among the political leaders for an amicable resolution of the current political situation in the country. The AUPSC reaffirmed its continued dedication to support South Sudan to end the conflict and ensure a successful completion of the transition period, expressing its unwavering support to South Sudan toward the organization of the December 2026 elections. According to the AU, the field mission was undertaken as an expression of solidarity with the people of South Sudan. The delegation's visit came as regional diplomatic efforts intensified to shore up the faltering revitalized peace deal. South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of struggle and a protracted peace process, has navigated a precarious path between restoring peace and enduring instability, most notably in 2013 and more recently in 2016, when widespread conflict triggered the initiation of internal peace processes.
