AU Chair Appeals to South Sudan’s Kiir for Detainee Release and Peace Dialogue

High-Level Diplomatic Efforts in South Sudan

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 12 (Eye Radio) — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has revealed his recent diplomatic efforts to revive South Sudan’s peace process, including direct appeals to President Salva Kiir for the release of political detainees and resumption of dialogue.

Speaking at AU headquarters on Monday, Youssouf detailed his high-level visit to Juba earlier this month where he engaged with President Kiir and other key stakeholders in the fragile peace process.

“On the 5th of May, I made a visit to this brotherly country and had thorough discussions with President Salva Kiir, his government, and other stakeholders,” Youssouf stated. “I called on the government to release detainees and resume dialogue to step up implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.”

Mounting Political Tensions

The AU chairperson’s intervention comes amid escalating political tensions following the March 2025 house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei claimed Machar was under investigation for allegedly inciting his forces against the government.

The SPLM-IO faction strongly condemned what it called the “arbitrary and unlawful arrest” of senior members including Acting SPLA-IO Chief of Staff Gen. Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang.

Regional Peace Efforts

During his Juba visit, Youssouf led a joint AU-IGAD delegation that met with both government officials and SPLM-IO leaders, including interim chair Stephen Par Kuol and deputy Losuba Wongo. Discussions focused on:

• Reviving stalled political dialogue
• Strengthening democratic governance
• Reinforcing regional security mechanisms

“We also engaged with partners supporting the Republic of South Sudan,” Youssouf added, highlighting the international community’s ongoing involvement.

International Concerns

The diplomatic push occurs as global observers express growing concern over South Sudan’s sluggish peace implementation, uncertain election timeline, and political disputes threatening the fragile transition process.