President William Ruto has urged leaders in the region to back inclusive political talks in South Sudan ahead of the country’s planned general election in December 2026, warning that key steps needed for a peaceful vote remain incomplete.
Addressing the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, also known as C5 plus, the President said broad engagement among all South Sudanese actors is vital to guarantee a credible electoral process and a stable end to the prolonged transition period.
He stressed the need to bring on board hold-out groups and those left out of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, saying unresolved matters under the Revitalised Peace Agreement must be addressed before the country heads to the polls.
“This pivotal moment calls for renewed focus, collective resolve, strengthened partnerships, and sustained vigilance by all stakeholders to ensure that South Sudan’s political transition is firmly anchored in peace, inclusivity, and stability,” he said.
The President spoke on Sunday on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He observed that while the transition is expected to conclude through elections by the end of 2026, critical conditions have yet to be met. Among them are a lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilians, trust-building measures, completion of the constitutional review process and the conduct of a national census.
“The twice-extended transitional period under the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement is approaching its conclusion, with general elections expected by the end of 2026,” he said.
Ruto called on leaders attending the summit to rally behind a peaceful and successful end to the transition, culminating in genuine and credible elections.
To pave the way for this outcome, he appealed for the immediate cessation of hostilities, release of political detainees, improved civilian protection and urgent humanitarian support.
The President further proposed the creation of an IGAD Sub-Committee of Heads of State and Government on South Sudan, made up of frontline states and working closely with the AU-C5 plus, to offer steady political direction and oversight to the peace process.
He also suggested forming an IGAD Ministerial Sub-Committee on South Sudan to work alongside the AU-C5 plus and the IGAD Secretariat in tracking progress and issuing regular reports on implementation.
In addition, he urged regional and global partners to provide technical assistance and reliable funding to help complete the peace roadmap.
“The convening, under IGAD leadership and in coordination with the AU-C5 and international partners, of an inclusive high-level dialogue bringing together South Sudanese party leaders and key stakeholders to build consensus on the critical issues necessary to advance the transition,” he added.
Ruto noted that the C5 plus forum offers a key diplomatic platform to align all ongoing peace efforts within a single regional structure.
He pointed to the need to align the Tumaini Initiative under IGAD and AU guidance to strengthen mediation, avoid duplication of efforts and reinforce shared responsibility.
“Such coordinated architecture would send a clear signal that completion of the transition must proceed through inclusive, regionally endorsed, and credible mechanisms,” he said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the committee, also appealed for dialogue among the parties in conflict and affirmed the panel’s commitment to support a peaceful transition.
Other leaders who addressed the meeting included President Ismail Omar Guelleh, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Vice-President Jessica Alupo, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, who echoed calls for stability and cooperation as South Sudan moves toward elections.
