Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and stability in South Sudan as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December 22.
Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe conveyed the message on September 29 while representing President Paul Kagame at a virtual meeting of the African Union’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nduhungirehe reaffirmed the country’s continued support, including through its contribution to peace support operations.
Chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the meeting brought together the C5 and member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to assess South Sudan’s political transition and election preparations.
The discussions followed recent diplomatic engagements, including a C5 ministerial visit to Juba in July, an AU Peace and Security Council visit in April, and August visits by AU representatives and a technical assessment team.
Ramaphosa acknowledged progress but warned that significant challenges remained in preparing for credible elections. He stressed that elections alone could not guarantee peace and democracy, calling for an inclusive political process, adequate funding and security arrangements to protect voters and electoral staff.
He said the 2018 peace agreement remained the “paramount legal instrument” guiding South Sudan’s transition.
The summit urged all parties to cease hostilities, uphold the permanent ceasefire and implement the agreement. It also called for an agreed electoral roadmap and coordinated technical assistance from the AU, C5 and IGAD.
Ramaphosa stressed that primary responsibility for implementing the agreed measures rested with South Sudan’s government and the parties to the peace agreement.
The C5 comprises Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa, representing Africa’s five regions. Established in December 2014 and officially launched in June 2015, it supports IGAD-led mediation and implementation of South Sudan’s peace agreement.
