AU timeline of diplomatic efforts on South Sudan

8 March 2025

The Chairperson of the AU Commission issued a statement:
Expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and clashes.
Called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to the ceasefire arrangements.
Reaffirmed the AU’s longstanding appeal for South Sudanese parties to fully implement the revitalised peace agreement.

18 March 2025

PSC met at its 1265^th session to discuss the situation in South Sudan and adopted a communiqué. In the communiqué, the PSC:
Noted with deep concern, the escalation of tensions between the White Army and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and condemned the attack on UNMISS helicopters.
Called for an immediate end to hostilities and adherence to the ceasefire agreements.
Strongly encouraged the signatory parties to the R-ARCSS to uphold the obligations.
Reiterated the call for the AU Commission to include support towards the electoral process in South Sudan among the priority projects, including through the use of the AU Peace Fund.
Renewed the call for the RTGoNU for the rapid deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF).
Requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission to deploy a High-Level delegation in South Sudan to engage the parties on the ground to address the current conflict.

27 March 2025

The Chairperson of the AU Commission issued a statement expressing deep concern over the detention of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar and underscoring the imperative for all parties to de-escalate the situation, uphold the spirit and letter of the revitalised agreement.

31 March 2025

The PSC adopted a press statement on the situation in South Sudan:
Expressed its grave concern over the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation in South Sudan and the arrest and detention of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar Teny, on 26 March 2025.
Called for an immediate and unconditional release of Riek Machar and his wife.
Emphasized that the recent developments in South Sudan have significantly impacted the progress made in consolidating peace in the country through the revitalised agreement.
Urged the Authorities in South Sudan to initiate an all-inclusive and genuine South Sudanese-led dialogue to restore trust, national unity and peace in the country.
Requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission to urgently dispatch a high-level delegation to South Sudan to be led by the Panel of the Wise to engage with the parties concerned with the view to de-escalating the tensions, cease-fire, and to mediate between the parties.

31 March 2025

The AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf Ali issued a statement which indicated that he held direct talks with President Salva Kiir and announced that he was dispatching a high-level delegation from the Panel of the Wise to Juba to help de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.

2 April 2025

The AU Panel of the Wise arrived in Juba on a solidarity and fact-finding mission on recent developments in South Sudan. The Panel held talks with President Salva Kiir and other stakeholders but no indication of meeting with the First Vice President Riek Machar.

4 May 2025

The Chairperson of AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned the bombing of the Médecins sans frontières (MSF) health facility in Old Fangak town, Fangak County in Jonglei State on 3 May. The chairperson urged South Sudanese authorities to investigate the incident and hold accountable those responsible for the heinous crime.

5-6 May 2025

The Chairperson of the AU Commission and Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD conducted an official visit to Juba for high-level consultations with national stakeholders on advancing the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement. The delegation engaged with President Salva Kiir and his Cabinet, focusing discussions on:
Preserving the hard-won gains of the peace agreement;
Fostering inclusive national dialogue and consensus;
Supporting the timely, credible, and transparent implementation of the transitional roadmap;
Strengthening governance institutions.