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President Cyril Ramaphosa has urgently called for a ceasefire in South Sudan, emphasizing the demand for immediate action to address the escalating instability in the region. Speaking at the 38th African Union summit, Ramaphosa highlighted the deteriorating security situation and the devastating impact on civilians, reiterating the African Union’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the conflict. The call for a ceasefire comes amid concerns over renewed clashes and a stalled peace process, threatening to reverse fragile gains made in recent years.
Ramaphosa’s intervention underscores South Africa’s active role in mediating peace and security challenges across the African continent. He presented his views on peace and security in Africa at the AU summit, delivering remarks on the Report of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union. The President stressed the importance of collective action and regional cooperation in addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting sustainable peace. The situation in South Sudan, alongside instability in Sudan, was flagged as requiring immediate attention from the African Union and the international community.
South Sudan’s Fragile Peace Process
The renewed call for a ceasefire reflects the precarious state of the peace agreement signed in 2018, intended to end years of civil war. Despite the agreement, political tensions and localized conflicts have persisted, hindering the implementation of key provisions, including the formation of a unified army and the holding of free and fair elections. News24 reports that Ramaphosa’s plea for a ceasefire is a critical step in preventing further bloodshed and creating an environment conducive to dialogue.
Regional Concerns and the Role of the African Union
The instability in South Sudan has broader regional implications, potentially exacerbating humanitarian crises and fueling cross-border conflicts. According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa, in his capacity as chair of the African Union Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan (C5), convened a meeting to discuss the situation and coordinate a unified response. The C5 committee comprises key regional stakeholders working to facilitate peace and stability in South Sudan.
Ramaphosa also addressed the broader issue of avoiding a new form of colonialism in Africa, responding to comments made by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. The Africa Report details Ramaphosa’s assertion that Africa must resist attempts at external interference and maintain its sovereignty.
Urgent Action and the Path Forward
President Ramaphosa emphasized the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and to engage in constructive dialogue. He called on the international community to increase its support for peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan, including humanitarian assistance and the provision of resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. SAnews reports that Ramaphosa believes decisive action is crucial to prevent a further deterioration of the situation.
The 38th African Union summit, where these discussions took place, brought together leaders from across the continent to address pressing challenges facing the region. Morning Star | The People’s Daily covered the summit, highlighting the focus on peace, security, and development across Africa.
Looking ahead, the success of efforts to achieve a lasting peace in South Sudan will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold the terms of the peace agreement and to prioritize the needs of the South Sudanese people. Continued regional and international engagement will be essential to support these efforts and to prevent a relapse into conflict. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks as the African Union continues its mediation efforts.
Share your thoughts on this critical situation in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation and raise awareness about the challenges facing South Sudan.
