Publication:

Communiqué of the 1297th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council held on 15 August 2025 on the Consideration of the PSC Field Mission Report on South Sudan.

The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), at its 1297th meeting on 15 August 2025, adopted the report of its field mission to South Sudan, reaffirming support for the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and urging timely completion of the transition process leading to elections in December 2026. The council welcomed President Salva Kiir’s commitment to elections, noted progress on force unification, and called for the full participation of women and youth in peacebuilding. It expressed concern over political tensions and the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, urging immediate release of all political detainees and initiation of high-level dialogue. The PSC appealed for de-escalation, respect for ceasefire agreements, and lifting of arms embargoes and sanctions to support security reforms. It also highlighted worsening humanitarian conditions and intercommunal violence, urging urgent action and support from partners. The AU Commission was tasked with deploying a Technical Assessment Team, mobilizing resources, and appointing a High-Level Representative to work with stakeholders towards a peaceful transition by February 2027.