Unacceptable Illegal Presidential Contender Garang Demands Accountability From Juba Regime And International Community 1
Nairobi – In a move described by regional observers as “caging” the current transitional leadership, the African Union’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) has issued a series of uncompromising resolutions aimed at ending years of political stagnation in Juba.
The summit, held on the margins of the 39th AU Ordinary Session, concluded with a powerful closing statement from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The resolutions come at a critical time for South Sudan, which is currently preparing for general elections scheduled for December 2026.
President Ramaphosa, acting as Chair of the C5, outlined six “minimum standards” that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) must meet to avoid further international isolation:
- Immediate Ceasefire: An unconditional demand for the cessation of all hostilities to prioritize the political process.
- Release of Political Detainees: A call to release all political prisoners to build national trust. Critically, Ramaphosa noted that this must include reviewing the restrictive legal processes currently facing First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
- No More Election Delays: The committee explicitly stated that the December 2026 elections must proceed without further extensions and must be free, fair, and inclusive.
- Inclusive Dialogue: A mandate that all stakeholders, including non-signatory groups, must be included in the peace process.
- Enhanced Oversight: The proposal for a new monitoring structure where the AU Commission Chair works with three sitting IGAD Heads of State and the C5 to ensure strict compliance.
- Unified Coordination: Streamlining the efforts of the IGAD Secretariat and the C5 to eliminate diplomatic fragmentation.
Shortly after the summit, Hon. Nathaniel Garang Aduotdit, Chairman of the Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Forward (R-SPLM/F) and a candidate for the 2026 presidential election, sent an official statement to Ethio Insight endorsing the AU’s firm stance.
In a separate congratulatory message, Aduotdit also welcomed the AU’s appointment of former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to mediate between the government and opposition leaders.
“Your ethical witness of faith and divine guidance has become increasingly vital to the cause of peace, freedom, and reconciliation,” Aduotdit stated, praising Kenyatta’s ability to accomplish tasks “even in the face of formidable opposition”.
The R-SPLM/F leader emphasized that his movement views these international steps as essential to ensuring a democratic transition and ending the “greed-driven” complexities of the current political landscape.
The AU’s decision to move beyond “polite diplomatic language” toward “clear and specific” directives marks a shift in continental strategy toward President Salva Kiir’s administration. With nearly 1 million people still displaced and the economy in a state of fragility, the pressure is now on Juba to prove its commitment to the 2026 timeline.
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