By Kei Emmanuel Duku and Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reassured African leaders that his government remains committed to dialogue with opposition groups.
According to a statement obtained from the Presidential Press Unit, President Kiir made the remarks during a C5 meeting held in Ethiopia, where leaders deliberated on the current situation in South Sudan and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
During the meeting, African leaders called for inclusive dialogue in the country as the elections approach.
The statement said President Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and the conduct of peaceful, credible elections.
“The Government has assured African leaders of its commitment to dialogue with opposition groups, as the nation prepares for elections due in December this year,” the statement partly read.
Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro, emphasized the need for broad participation in the dialogue process.
He said the engagement would include political and armed groups that were not signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“The Minister of Cabinet Affairs underscored the importance of inclusive participation in the dialogue process, including political and armed groups that did not sign the Revitalized Peace Agreement,” the statement read.
The high-level meeting, attended by President Kiir, was presided over by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Leaders from South Africa, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda, Djibouti, and Kenya, alongside representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations, convened under the C5 framework to assess South Sudan’s political situation ahead of the crucial elections.
According to the statement, the C5 emphasized that the path to credible elections lies in inclusive political dialogue.
“Continental leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for South Sudan’s transition toward democracy, a transition that should be grounded in solidarity, reconciliation, the rule of law, and transparency,” the statement partly read.
Meanwhile during his statement at the AU summit, President Salva Kiir emphasized that the success of the continent hinges on collective cooperation and unity.
According to the statement from Presidential press unit, Kiir noted that Africa’s future depends on its ability to work as one, marking a call for increased partnership across the AU.
“It is with great honour to be here today to discuss continental matters,” President Kiir stated while addressing the assembly. The Head of State used the platform to emphasize his administration’s dedicated commitment to restoring peace and stability within South Sudan and its neighbour, Sudan.
The summit also oversaw a transition in continental leadership as the Assembly appointed Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye as the new AU Chairperson.
President Ndayishimiye succeeds João Lourenço of Angola in the role, as leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the continent’s development goals.