Ex Somali Prime Minister appointed AU Special Representative to South Sudan

JUBA – The African Union (AU) has appointed former Somali Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, commonly known as Gaas, as its new Special Representative to South Sudan and Head of the AU Liaison Office in Juba. He succeeds Tanzania’s Joram Biswaro, who has served in the position since 2018.

In a statement released by the African Union Commission on Monday, AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf announced that Dr. Abdiweli Ali will lead the Union’s efforts to support peace, reconciliation, and stability in South Sudan under the framework of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Mr. Youssouf expressed confidence in his capacity to strengthen the AU’s engagement in South Sudan’s peace process. He noted that Dr. Ali’s extensive diplomatic and leadership experience would be instrumental in fostering inclusive dialogue and ensuring full implementation of the peace deal.

“H.E. Ali’s wealth of diplomatic and leadership experience will contribute significantly to advancing inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, and the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan,” the AU statement read.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdiweli Ali expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him by the African Union and pledged to work impartially and constructively with all South Sudanese stakeholders and international partners.

Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali previously served as Somalia’s Prime Minister from 2011 to 2012 and later as the President of Puntland State from 2014 to 2019. He brings to his new role extensive experience in governance, peacebuilding, and regional diplomacy.

His appointment comes at a critical time as South Sudan prepares for elections and continues efforts toward the full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, which aims to end years of civil conflict and restore stability in the country.

His appointment also comes as the agreement faces its greatest test since its revitalization, with Riek Machar, the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army, currently under house arrest and facing trial on murder and treason charges.

Clashes have flared between government and opposition forces since the detention of Machar and seven of his loyalists in March 2025, and efforts to get warring parties to the negotiating table have failed so far.

With a cumulative years of experience in politics and diplomacy, a mammoth task awaits Dr. Ali, who carries the flag of the African Union, one of the guarantors to the R-ARCSS.