African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for concrete steps to fully implement the South Sudan peace deal.
In a stratement dated September 21, Faki said he had taken note of the decision by the South Sudan government to extend the transition period by two years, thus, effectively postponing the elections from December 2024 to December 2026.
“The Chairperson urges all stakeholders to work towards the realization of the long-awaited legitimate right and aspirations of all South Sudanese for the conduct of transparent and credible elections, thereby promoting constitutional democratic order and inclusive governance,” the statement said in part.
The Chairperson further reaffirmed the African Union’s strong commitment and solidarity with the government and people of South Sudan towards the successful completion of the political transition and beyond.
He urged the international community to continue supporting South Sudan.
Last week, South Sudan’s parties to the 2018 peace agreement extended the transitional period by another two years during a meeting between President Kiir and his deputies, cabinets members and advisers in Juba on Friday. The extension is from February 22, 2025 to February 22, 2027.
Cabinet Affairs minister Martin Lomuro said the extension offers an opportunity to implement the remaining key provisions in the peace agreement.
“The extension is in response to the recommendations from the electoral institutions and the security sector. It is an opportunity to implement the pending issues in the peace deal,” Lomuro said.
