ABUJA — Nigeria has called on South Sudan to fully implement its peace agreement and create conditions for credible elections ahead of the country’s planned December 2026 polls.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call during a meeting with South Sudan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador David Buom Choat, in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Enikanolaiye urged the South Sudanese government to recommit to the Revitalised Peace Accord through “openness, transparency and inclusion” to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He also called for an end to ongoing conflicts, including violence in the White Nile region, stressing the need for a ceasefire to create a stable environment for citizens.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, noting the country’s historical role, including the Abuja peace talks of the 1990s that contributed to South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a member of the African Union Ad hoc Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan, remains committed to supporting peace efforts, describing the IGAD-AU-led process as “the surest pathway to enduring peace, security and stability.”
Enikanolaiye also expressed concern over the recent assault on a Nigerian diplomat in Juba, condemning the act and calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
“Such reprehensible conduct on Nigerian diplomats will not be tolerated,” he said, urging South Sudanese authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian diplomatic personnel in line with international conventions.
In response, Ambassador Choat conveyed his government’s regret over the incident and assured that investigations were ongoing.
Both sides emphasised the importance of free, fair and inclusive elections as critical to achieving lasting peace, while Nigeria reiterated its readiness to support South Sudan through capacity building, including the deployment of Technical Aid Corps volunteers.
The meeting also highlighted plans to establish a Nigeria–South Sudan Ministerial Commission to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, security and socio-cultural areas.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with South Sudan in pursuit of peace, stability and shared prosperity.
