Ramaphosa Seeks Support for South Sudan Peace Efforts
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 16, 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the need for urgent and unified action by African leaders to safeguard South Sudan’s fragile peace. He warned that decisions made in the coming months will be crucial in determining the country’s trajectory toward stability or a return to turmoil.
The African Union Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit, convened jointly with the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the East African Community (EAC), marked the first meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government since 2018.
Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement
In 2018, South Sudan’s leaders signed the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), aimed at ending years of civil war. Ramaphosa noted that implementation of the deal has been slow and uneven, despite the commitment of guarantor countries to support the peace process. He addressed President Salva Kiir Mayardit directly, acknowledging his participation in the summit as a demonstration of commitment to peace, but stressed the need for concrete action.
Upcoming Elections and Political Environment
South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections in December 2026, a milestone considered pivotal to the country’s transition. Ramaphosa cautioned that elections alone will not guarantee lasting peace, emphasizing the need for a conducive political and security environment. He warned that violence during the process would undermine public confidence and derail the polls, calling for inclusive national dialogue and legal reforms.
Regional Support and Coordination
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, stated that Rwanda stands ready to share its experience in reconciliation and post-conflict rebuilding, and to continue supporting peace efforts alongside the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). IGAD remains the principal mediator of the peace process, while UNMISS has supported the protection of civilians and humanitarian access since 2011. Ramaphosa also urged closer coordination among regional actors, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, which remain deeply invested in South Sudan’s stability.
Mediation and Oversight
The C5 supported the appointment of a former Head of State to mediate among the signatories and facilitate dialogue between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Ramaphosa said this initiative could help unlock persistent political deadlocks. He called for a dedicated oversight mechanism involving both the C5 and IGAD to track progress and regularly report to African leaders.
Current Political Crisis
More than a decade after independence, South Sudan remains locked in a prolonged political crisis, with fragile peace arrangements struggling to hold amid persistent divisions at the top of government. Tensions are centered on the power-sharing relationship between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar under the 2018 R-ARCSS. Sporadic clashes involving rival forces and local armed groups have continued, often driven by ethnic rivalries and competition over land and resources.
Challenges to Sustainable Peace
Analysts warn that without meaningful compromise and credible reforms, the planned 2026 elections could deepen divisions rather than consolidate stability. Sustainable peace will require addressing ethnic tensions, ensuring fair access to national resources, and expanding the participation of women and young people in governance.
United Nations Perspective
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on African leaders to prioritize peace, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, renewed dialogue in South Sudan, and respect for the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He stressed the need for African-led political solutions backed by sustained international support.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the choices made in the coming months will determine whether South Sudan moves towards durable peace or back into cycles of instability, urging African leaders to act with urgency, courage, and unity.
