South Sudan Crisis: AUC Chair to deploy panel of the Wise to Juba

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, will deploy a high-level delegation of the African Union (AU) to Juba to help de-escalate tensions in South Sudan.

In a statement on the African Union account on X, Mahmoud said he engaged in direct talks with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and addressed the evolving political situation in Africa's youngest nation and the recent violence in Nasir.

"To enhance mediation efforts and support the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the chairperson is dispatching a high-level delegation of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba to engage with all the stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue," read the statement.

The AU called on all parties to uphold all the provisions of R-ARCSS and ensure its full implementation.

Expressing solidarity with the Government and people of South Sudan, the Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

However, the AUC boss did not immediately disclose the individuals selected to facilitate the peace negotiations.

"The AU remains actively engaged with regional and international partners, including IGAD, the EAC, and the United Nations, to support South Sudan’s transition to durable peace and democracy," said the statement.

The move follows revelations that Raila Odinga, who was appointed Special Envoy to South Sudan by Kenya's President William Ruto, was denied access to President Kiir's rival, First Vice President Riek Machar.

Speaking to the press on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Raila disclosed that he was denied access to Machar, who remains under house arrest.

He further stated that South Sudanese authorities cited ongoing investigations into the killing of a general as the reason for the restriction.

"I requested permission to speak with Machar, but my request was denied. Instead, they advised me to meet with President Museveni," Raila said.

"From Juba, I traveled to Entebbe, where I held discussions with Museveni, briefing him on my findings in South Sudan. After a lengthy conversation, he assured me that he would engage President Kiir. We also agreed that I would return to Juba at a later date."

South Sudan fell into a bloody civil war soon after gaining independence in 2011, as forces aligned with Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fought those loyal to Machar, an ethnic Nuer.

The conflict killed more than 40,000 people before a 2018 peace deal saw the pair form a government of national unity.