AU delegation to arrive in Juba today for de-escalation talks

JUBA – An African Union (AU) delegation will arrive in South Sudan on Wednesday to mediate between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy and opposition leader Riek Machar, whose detention has heightened political tensions, officials said.

The AU’s “Panel of the Wise,” a conflict prevention body, will meet with Kiir, Machar, and other signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, according to a statement from AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

The statement, released on Monday, followed “cordial direct talks” between Youssouf and Kiir, focusing on the “evolving political situation and the recent violence in Nasir County.”

Speaking to Sudans Post last night, a senior member of Machar’s SPLM-IO said on condition of anonymity that they had been informed of two planned meetings, one involving representatives of signatories to the agreement with the delegation, and another between Kiir, Machar, and the AU delegation.

The SPLM-IO official expressed doubt Machar would be able to attend, citing his house arrest, and said they had received no confirmation of his release.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), said, “CPA welcomes the tomorrow’s arrival of the African Union Panel of the Wise to the country to investigate the serious violations of the R-ARCSS and the house arrest of Dr. Machar, the main principal in the agreement.”

Gatwech said the AU’s presence could help de-escalate tensions that had prompted some diplomatic missions to close their embassies.

“We hope they will use their extensive experience and knowledge to develop a lasting solution for the country,” he said.

Yoal Gatkuoth, Executive Director of the Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA), said, “We acknowledge that the AU’s Panel of the Wise has arrived in Juba to mediate to de-escalate the tension between the two main conflicting parties, the SPLM in Government and SPLM in Opposition.”

Gatkuoth called on the panel to engage in “constructive dialogue” with Kiir and Machar, and to urge Kiir to release Machar and other detained SPLM-IO members.

He also urged the panel to engage with “diplomatic missions, stakeholders, community leaders, civil society groups, women, and the youth constituencies” and to seek support from regional peace guarantors.

A civil society activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned political leaders against using language that could incite “hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation.”

The CPA also urged the diaspora community to use social media to promote “meaningful initiatives” such as scholarships and training.