19.2.2026
South Sudan said it was not in agreement with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s call for the release of detained South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar.
According to South Sudan information minister Ateny Wek Ateny, the Nigerian President call during the Africa Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were his own views and not the collective agreement of the AU or regional body.
“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.”
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. With South Sudan Post reports