President Ramaphosa Leads Crucial AU C5 Virtual Meeting on South Sudan's Path to Peace

Pretoria, South Africa – September 29, 2026 – In a significant diplomatic move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa today convened a virtual meeting of the African Union's Committee of the Five (C5) focused on the critical peace process in South Sudan. The meeting underscored the AU's unwavering commitment to fostering stability and a lasting resolution to the protracted conflict that has plagued the young nation for years.

The C5, comprising the AU's leading member states in peace and security matters, convened under the leadership of President Ramaphosa, who has been a vocal advocate for a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan. The discussions centered on the ongoing implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), a landmark accord signed in 2018.

What is the AU C5?

The AU C5 is a ministerial committee within the African Union that focuses on critical peace and security issues on the continent, particularly concerning conflict resolution and prevention. It comprises five key member states designated to spearhead initiatives aimed at maintaining continental stability and addressing emerging threats.

This high-level virtual summit brought together leaders and high-ranking officials from the C5 member states, as well as representatives from South Sudan and key international partners. The agenda was packed, addressing the multifaceted challenges hindering South Sudan's transition to lasting peace and stability, including security sector reform, political inclusion, humanitarian access, and economic recovery.

The Imperative of Peace in South Sudan

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, has endured immense suffering since gaining independence in 2011, followed by a devastating civil war that erupted in 2013. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, loss of life, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The R-ARCSS, while offering a glimmer of hope, faces significant implementation hurdles.

The virtual meeting served as a vital platform to assess progress, identify persistent obstacles, and reaffirm the collective commitment of African nations to support South Sudan's peacebuilding efforts. President Ramaphosa, in his opening remarks, emphasized that "the responsibility for peace in South Sudan ultimately rests with its own people, but the African Union stands ready to provide unwavering support and solidarity."

Key Agenda Items and Discussions

The C5 meeting delved into several critical areas, seeking to galvanize action and coordinate international support:

• Security Sector Reform (SSR): A cornerstone of the R-ARCSS, SSR aims to unify disparate armed forces into a single, professional national army. Progress in this area has been slow, with challenges including the unification of forces, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants, and the establishment of unified command structures. The C5 stressed the urgent need for accelerated implementation to build trust and ensure a secure environment for political processes.
• Political Transition and Inclusive Governance: The meeting addressed the critical need for inclusive political dialogue and the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms. Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalized communities, are meaningfully represented in the peace process and future governance structures. The upcoming transitional period, leading to potential elections, was a focal point.
• Humanitarian Situation and Access: The dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains a significant concern. Delegates discussed the challenges of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas. The C5 reiterated the call for all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and facilitate the safe delivery of essential aid.
• Economic Recovery and Development: Sustainable peace is intrinsically linked to economic stability. The C5 explored strategies to support South Sudan's economic recovery, including efforts to improve public financial management, attract investment, and diversify the economy away from its heavy reliance on oil. The impact of climate change on agriculture and livelihoods was also a point of discussion.
• Regional Cooperation and Coordination: The meeting emphasized the importance of enhanced regional cooperation among South Sudan's neighbors and the wider international community. This includes coordinating efforts to support the R-ARCSS implementation, preventing the proliferation of illicit arms, and addressing cross-border security challenges.

Insights from Experts and Leaders

During the virtual summit, several key figures shared their perspectives on the path forward for South Sudan:

• Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, African Union Commission Chairperson (at the time of similar past AU engagements): Historically, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma has consistently emphasized the AU's commitment to African solutions for African problems, stressing that the continent possesses the capacity and the will to drive its own peace and security agenda. Her past statements often highlighted the need for political will from South Sudanese parties and robust international backing for the peace agreement.
• Ambassador Hanna Tetteh, UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (in previous capacities): In her previous roles, Ambassador Tetteh has often underscored the interconnectedness of peace, security, and development in South Sudan. She has frequently called for a coordinated approach involving the AU, the UN, regional bodies, and international partners to provide sustained support for the peace process.
• South Sudanese Government Representatives: Officials from the South Sudanese government reiterated their commitment to the R-ARCSS and highlighted the strides made, while also acknowledging the challenges. They appealed for continued international support, particularly in capacity building and resource mobilization for critical reforms.
• Representatives of Opposition Groups: Delegates from South Sudanese opposition movements emphasized the need for genuine inclusivity and the full implementation of all aspects of the R-ARCSS, particularly concerning security sector reform and the establishment of transitional justice.

Challenges and Opportunities

The C5 meeting acknowledged that the path to lasting peace in South Sudan is fraught with challenges. These include:

• Trust Deficit: Deep-seated mistrust among political actors and communities remains a significant barrier to progress.
• Resource Constraints: The South Sudanese government faces severe financial limitations, hindering its ability to implement reforms and provide essential services.
• External Interference: Concerns were raised about potential external interference that could undermine the peace process.
• Climate Change Impacts: The escalating effects of climate change, including devastating floods in recent years, have exacerbated humanitarian needs and impacted livelihoods, diverting resources and attention. For instance, devastating floods in 2022 affected over 800,000 people.

Despite these challenges, the C5 meeting also identified key opportunities:

• Renewed Political Will: The convening of the C5 meeting itself signaled a renewed political will from the African Union to prioritize South Sudan's peace process.
• International Consensus: A strong international consensus exists regarding the importance of supporting the R-ARCSS and fostering stability in South Sudan.
• Youthful Population: South Sudan's large youth population represents a significant demographic dividend if peace and opportunities can be fostered.
• Abundant Natural Resources: With peace and stability, South Sudan's considerable natural resources can be leveraged for sustainable development.

The Way Forward: A Call for Accelerated Action

President Ramaphosa, in his closing remarks, called for accelerated action and a united front in supporting South Sudan. He emphasized the need for:

1. Enhanced Coordination: Strengthened coordination among the AU, the UN, regional economic communities, and international partners to ensure a coherent and impactful approach.
2. Measurable Progress: A greater focus on achieving measurable progress in key areas of the R-ARCSS implementation, with clear timelines and accountability mechanisms.
3. Sustained Engagement: Continued high-level political engagement with South Sudanese leaders to encourage compromise and address spoilers.
4. Resource Mobilization: Concerted efforts to mobilize adequate financial and technical resources to support South Sudan's transition, including crucial humanitarian assistance and development aid.

The virtual meeting concluded with a clear understanding that the international community, led by the African Union, must maintain its steadfast support for South Sudan. The commitment shown by President Ramaphosa and the C5 member states sends a powerful message of solidarity and underscores the AU's pivotal role in driving African solutions for peace and security on the continent. The coming months will be crucial in translating the commitments made during this meeting into tangible progress on the ground, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous future for the people of South Sudan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)?

The R-ARCSS, signed in 2018, remains the primary framework for peace in South Sudan. While it has achieved some milestones, including the formation of a transitional government, its full implementation faces significant challenges. Key areas like security sector reform, transitional justice, and humanitarian access require accelerated efforts and sustained political will from all parties involved.

What are the main challenges hindering peace in South Sudan?

Major obstacles include a deep-seated distrust among political factions, severe resource constraints for implementing reforms and providing services, and the lingering impact of widespread violence and displacement. Additionally, the increasing effects of climate change, such as devastating floods, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and divert attention and resources from peacebuilding efforts.

What role does the African Union play in South Sudan's peace process?

The African Union plays a crucial role in facilitating and supporting South Sudan's peace process. Through initiatives like the AU C5 meetings, the Union provides a platform for high-level diplomatic engagement, encourages political dialogue, and mobilizes international support. The AU is committed to promoting African-led solutions to conflicts on the continent, including offering technical assistance and advocating for the full implementation of peace agreements.

What are the key priorities for achieving lasting peace in South Sudan?

Achieving lasting peace in South Sudan hinges on several key priorities: accelerating security sector reform to create a unified and professional army; ensuring inclusive political participation for all communities; establishing effective transitional justice mechanisms to address past grievances; and fostering economic recovery and development. Unhindered humanitarian access and robust international coordination are also critical components.

Featured image by West Kenya Union Conference Adventist Media on Unsplash