AU Panel Meeting with South Sudan Stakeholders Calls for De-Escalation and Release of Political Detainees

AU Panel of the Wise pose for a photo with South Sudan civil society and faith-based groups following a meeting in Juba. April 3, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy)

Key Recommendations from Juba Meeting

JUBA – A high-level meeting between South Sudanese stakeholders and the African Union Panel of the Wise in Juba on Thursday produced critical recommendations to stabilize the country’s political situation, according to civil society representatives.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), revealed the discussions centered on three main points:

1. Immediate De-Escalation Measures

The meeting called for urgent steps to reduce violence, including:

• Release of political detainees
• Initiation of due legal processes where detention continues
• Full implementation of existing security arrangements

2. Dialogue Between Political Leaders

Participants urged the AU Panel to facilitate direct talks between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar to resolve political differences.

“Our discussion focused on de-escalating the recent outbreak of deadly violence and forging a way forward for handling political disagreements within the government of national unity,” Yakani explained.

3. Ceasefire and Accountability

The stakeholders emphasized the need for:

• Renewed commitment to the 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement
• Balanced approach between detainee releases and accountability

“We urged the Panel to work on releasing political detainees and lifting house arrests, but we should not compromise on justice and accountability,” Yakani stressed.

Participants in the Crucial Meeting

The engagement brought together diverse South Sudanese stakeholders including:

• Faith-based groups
• Civil society organizations
• Youth and women-led groups
• Representatives of persons with disabilities