Closing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Summit of AU Committee on South Sudan (C5) Plus

Your Excellencies,
Ministers,
Officials,
Guests,

Thank you for your participation in this constructive engagement.

The attendance at this Summit demonstrates that the leaders of this continent remain deeply concerned about the future of our sister country.

We wish to thank President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his engagement with the Summit.

The briefing from the President and from the African Union on the state of readiness for the elections was most valuable.

We also thank His Excellency former President Kikwete and His Excellency Geoffrey Onyeama for their insightful briefings.

Their assessments have assisted in identifying the immediate priorities requiring both political attention and coordinated support.

We take note of the progress that the Government of South Sudan has made.

Yet we are mindful of the many challenges and tremendous work that still lie ahead.

In the interests of national elections that are free, fair and credible, we urge the Government of South Sudan to work with speed to resolve the challenges that remain.

As indicated in the Declaration, this Summit has made a number of recommendations, including the following:

•    That all parties comply fully with the provisions of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and demonstrate their commitment to its full implementation.

•    That all parties immediately cease hostilities, uphold the Permanent Ceasefire and refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

•    That, while respecting the sovereignty of South Sudan and its judicial processes, the Government of South Sudan release all persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds and guarantee the rights, humane treatment and due process of persons facing judicial proceedings, thereby contributing to an inclusive political environment.

•    That the Government of South Sudan adopts a feasible, consensual and time-bound electoral roadmap that clearly sets out the legal basis, scope and sequencing of elections.

•    That the Government of South Sudan provides predictable, adequate and timely domestic financial resources to the electoral and transitional institutions to enable credible preparations.

•    That the Government of South Sudan works in earnest towards addressing the political, legal, technical, operational, financial and security requirements necessary for a peaceful, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.

•    That all parties protect civilians, humanitarian and medical personnel and United Nations peacekeepers; ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected communities; and ensure accountability for attacks against peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel.

•    That the AU, C5 and IGAD should coordinate voluntary and needs-based technical assistance in support of the electoral process and the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

We appeal to international partners to support South Sudan in the most effective and coordinated manner.

Primary responsibility for the implementation of the agreed measures rests with the government and parties of South Sudan.

The support of the C5, the African Union and international partners must reinforce South Sudanese national ownership and respond to clearly identified priorities.

We have agreed that the Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the paramount legal instrument with which all parties must comply and by which progress in South Sudan will be measured.

Peace, stability and prosperity for South Sudan are aspirations we all share.

For democracy to take hold in South Sudan, its leaders must demonstrate genuine commitment to inclusivity, peace and national reconciliation.

Only then can South Sudan begin in earnest to build its institutions, strengthen democratic practice and build a unified nation.

I thank you once again for honouring the invitation and for your commitment to our sister country.

I am confident that, acting together, we can accompany South Sudan through this critical period and help secure a future of lasting peace and democracy for its people.

I thank you.