South Sudan dismisses Nigeria’s call for Machar’s release as ‘one country’s view’

JUBA – The government of South Sudan has downplayed Nigeria’s call for the release of detained and suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition figures, saying the appeal represents Nigeria’s position alone and not that of the wider regional bloc.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday following discussions at the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, the Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, said the remarks attributed to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu should not be interpreted as a collective decision.

“What has transpired in Addis Ababa? You just quoted the view of one member state,” Ateny said. “That view was expressed by Nigeria as a member of the C5. One individual member state’s view cannot underline the whole issue. The communiqué is about to come out, and I will not discuss its details before it is public.”

Ateny stressed that deliberations at the summit involved multiple countries and that the final position would be reflected in the official communiqué. He maintained that the majority of participating states support South Sudan’s plan to proceed with elections as scheduled.

According to the minister, all but two countries agreed that elections must move forward, arguing that postponing them would undermine the government’s legitimacy.

“There is no other way for the government to draw its legitimacy. Delaying the election would invite anarchy because the government controls the implementation of laws in the country,” he said.

He further explained that the elections would not be contingent upon the completion of a national census or the drafting of a permanent constitution. Ateny noted that constitution-making processes can take years to finalise, citing Kenya as an example.

The minister also cautioned against what he described as external interference in South Sudan’s internal affairs, particularly in matters relating to the judiciary.

“This includes refraining from influencing the South Sudan courts. Dr Riek will be handled by the competent court in South Sudan, and the decision will follow the law. This process cannot be politicised,” he stated.

During the two-day summit, Nigeria called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Machar and other opposition figures to facilitate the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritise dialogue, reconciliation, and credible elections, warning that sustained political tensions could stall the country’s progress.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and IGAD Chair, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, also emphasised the need to continue implementing the peace agreement. They proposed the appointment of a lead mediator to oversee progress and address emerging challenges.