African leaders urge South Sudan to free political detainees, including Machar

ADDIS ABABA – African leaders have called on the government of South Sudan to release all political detainees, including First Vice President Riek Machar, as part of a renewed push to ensure the country’s delayed elections take place as scheduled in December 2026.

Speaking at the conclusion of a high-level summit in Addis Ababa on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the “release of political detainees” was a critical step toward creating a conducive environment for the vote.

Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), specifically mentioned Machar, the First Vice President and leader of the main armed opposition SPLM-IO who is currently detained and on trial.

“There should be a release of political detainees and this should also include people like the Vice President, Riek Machar, who is going through various processes of a legal nature,” Ramaphosa said in his closing remarks.

He urged the government in Juba to give the matter “consideration” to foster inclusivity.

The appeal comes as regional patience wears thin with South Sudan’s transitional leadership. The oil-rich nation has postponed its general elections multiple times since gaining independence in 2011, most recently pushing the vote from late 2024 to December 2026.

Ramaphosa delivered a blunt message to President Salva Kiir, who attended the meeting, warning that the regional bloc would not accept further delays.

“Elections must go on and not be postponed and there should be no more postponements,” Ramaphosa said. “History will judge whether this Summit strengthens peace or tolerates its obstruction.”

SIX-POINT PLAN

The C5 committee, which includes South Africa, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda, agreed on a six-point recommendation to salvage the revitalized peace agreement.

In addition to the release of detainees and a strict adherence to the election timeline, the plan calls for an immediate end to all hostilities and the establishment of a new oversight mechanism.

Under the new proposal, the African Union Commission Chairperson will work with three heads of state from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to directly monitor the implementation of the peace deal.

“We stand ready to support mediation, to monitor implementation and to coordinate our efforts,” Ramaphosa said, adding that the proposed oversight body would report back to regional heads of state to ensure accountability.

South Sudan’s transition has been plagued by logistical hurdles, funding shortages, and sporadic violence. Key provisions of the 2018 peace deal, such as the unification of rival forces and the drafting of a permanent constitution, remain incomplete.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenges but insisted that the burden of proof now lies with South Sudan’s leaders to demonstrate “good faith.”

“It is up to the leaders of South Sudan… to undertake an inclusive process that fosters national cohesion,” he said. “The people of South Sudan are watching. The continent is watching.”

President Kiir, addressing the summit earlier, reiterated his commitment to the roadmap but requested support “without undue interference.”

Ramaphosa responded by assuring Juba of the continent’s solidarity but emphasized that support entails holding leaders to their commitments.

“That is something we should comply with… [but] of course they will be open to counsel, to take advice and to be fully supported,” Ramaphosa said.