The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), under the chairship of Ethiopia, conducted a field mission to South Sudan to assess firsthand the current situation in the country, ahead of their preparations for national elections.

During the visit, the Council engaged in consultations with senior officials of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and signatories to the Peace Agreement, according to Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These included Vice Presidents Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior and Hussein Abdelbagi. The delegation also held discussions with Cabinet Affairs officials led by Minister Martin Lomuro, as well as Signatory parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The delegation made an assessment of the needs of the Election Council for a smooth running of its responsibilities. The consultation also covered representatives of CSOs, and Faith Based Organizations as well as representatives of regional mechanisms including IGAD and R-JEMEC, Partners including the Troika, EU and IPF.

The council has underlined the importance of national reconciliation and dialogue to create an enabling environment for the election that is slated to happen in December 2026.

The Council also stressed the importance of upholding the Peace agreement (R- ARCCS) signed in 2018 to have a smooth transition and create the necessary stability in the country.

It is to be recalled that AUC has appointed High Representative of the Chairperson for the South Sudan last month to strengthen support to the South Sudanese transition process.