President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate and unconditional release of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, along with other detained opposition leaders. He emphasized Nigeria’s support for the full implementation of South Sudan’s revitalized peace agreement to ensure stability in the country.

Tinubu’s message was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, known as the C-5 Plus Summit. The summit took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Highlighting the need for reconciliation, Tinubu urged all parties to engage in constructive dialogue, stressing that an inclusive national forum should be convened to foster national unity. He called on stakeholders to cooperate with the ongoing mediation process without preconditions.

The Nigerian leader reiterated the country’s commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan, urging authorities to act swiftly to release political detainees and support a sustainable path toward reconciliation and national dialogue.