Delegation from African Union and IGAD Meets with South Sudan President, But Not with Detained First Vice President

Introduction

A high-level delegation from the African Union Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) met with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his cabinet Monday, but there was no indication they would be allowed to meet with detained First Vice President Riek Machar.

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Meeting with South Sudan Officials

• Delegation led by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
• Discussions with President Kiir and key ministers
• Not allowed to meet with detained First Vice President Riek Machar

Previous Requests Denied

Previous requests by senior officials to meet with Machar have been denied, including those from Kenya, the AU Panel of the Wise, and the European Union.

Statement After the Meeting

In a statement after the meeting, Presidential Affairs Minister Chol Mawut Ajongo said discussions focused on implementing the 2018 peace deal and underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement with the AU and IGAD.

Delegation’s Commendation

The AU Commission commended the ongoing efforts to implement the peace agreement and urged stakeholders to sustain momentum toward inclusive peace and national reconciliation.

Skepticism and Calls for Action

• Water Minister and SPLM-IO spokesperson expressed skepticism
• Call for the delegation to push for a meeting with Machar
• Diplomatic sources indicate no plans to meet Machar

Expectations and Demands

Prominent civil society activist Edmund Yakani expects the AU to push for de-escalation, ceasefire, and the release of Machar and other detainees.

Engagement for Political Transition

Yakani emphasizes the need for the AU to engage with all South Sudan leaders on the political transition process due to a deficit in trust and confidence.

Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. @ymahmoudali, arrived in #Juba, Republic of #SouthSudan, this morning. He had a constructive engagement with H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the State House this afternoon. During his visit, he also held discussions with H.E. Amb.… pic.twitter.com/2YS9oqjCsq

— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) May 5, 2025

Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society activist, said he expected the AU Commission chairperson to push for de-escalation, a ceasefire and the release of Machar and other detainees—or their trial if evidence exists.

“The AU should secure acceptance for resumption of dialogue on the implementation of the pending tasks of the peace agreement,” Yakani said. “Also, the AU should engage with all South Sudan leaders on the political transition process because there is a high deficit in trust and confidence for working together.”