Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the critical importance of swift action to ensure peaceful and credible elections in South Sudan, warning that the coming months will be decisive for the future of the world’s youngest nation. Addressing the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2026, Ramaphosa voiced deep concern over ongoing instability and the slow progress of the peace process, eight years after the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan was signed.
The President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa, aligning with Agenda 2063, and highlighted the need for enhanced mediation efforts to support a fair and democratic election process in December. Ramaphosa’s remarks came amid a broader discussion on peace and security across the continent, with particular attention paid to countries facing political and security crises. He too addressed concerns about escalating conflicts and instability in several African nations, calling for a renewed focus on preventative diplomacy and conflict resolution.
South Sudan’s Progress ‘Slow,’ Ramaphosa Says
Ramaphosa acknowledged the presence of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the AU Ad-Hoc High Level Committee on South Sudan, which South Africa chairs, as a positive sign of commitment to peace and stability. However, he stressed that progress since the 2018 peace agreement has been “admittedly slow.” He urged all stakeholders to prioritize inclusive dialogue and create conditions conducive to free, fair, and credible elections. “Let us use this summit to foster a process that delivers inclusive dialogue, free, fair and credible elections and sustainable peace for the people of South Sudan,” Ramaphosa urged, according to reports.
The President also expressed concern over ongoing violence in Sudan and South Sudan, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need. He emphasized the importance of inclusive political dialogue as a pathway to lasting peace and stability in both countries.
Regional Concerns and Continental Stability
Beyond South Sudan, Ramaphosa addressed broader issues of instability across the African continent. He highlighted the need for swift and effective political transitions in countries currently suspended from the AU due to unconstitutional changes of government. He also condemned continued territorial incursions by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kivu and Ituri provinces, emphasizing the need to uphold the DRC’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. South Africa, as the Regional Oversight Mechanism, pledged to work with partners to secure lasting peace in the region.
Ramaphosa briefed the AU summit on the outcomes of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg in November 2025, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. He also welcomed the African Union’s Peace and Security Council report, although remaining deeply concerned about the worsening conditions of conflict, war, and instability on the continent.
“As we meet here a number of African countries are currently under suspension due to unconstitutional change of government, reversing democratic gains and the development of our continent. The slow transition to constitutional order by the suspended countries is a matter of concern,” Ramaphosa stated, according to SABC News.
The President’s address reflects a growing sense of urgency within the AU to address the root causes of conflict and instability across the continent. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether South Sudan can overcome its challenges and achieve lasting peace, and the AU is signaling its commitment to providing the necessary support and mediation to facilitate a successful transition.
What remains to be seen is whether the commitments made at the AU summit will translate into concrete action on the ground. The success of the South Sudan elections will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in good faith dialogue, respect the outcome of the polls, and prioritize the needs of the South Sudanese people.
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