South Sudan tensions: AU mission visits ahead of landmark elections

An African Union mission has arrived in South Sudan to assess the situation in the country amid growing concerns of instability ahead of landmark elections later this year.

The long-delayed elections were initially scheduled for December 2024 but were postponed for two years after the government cited lack of preparedness.

Tension remains high in the country, the world’s youngest, and a power-sharing agreement signed in 2018 to end a five-year civil war is facing challenges after President Salva Kiir fell out with his former vice-president Riek Machar.

The AU delegation, led by South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, will examine the status of the peace agreement and steps being taken towards the election.

“The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is earmarked to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011,” said a statement on the visit released by the South African foreign ministry said.

Lamola’s team has representatives from Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa.

It is unclear if they will hold talks with Vice-President Machar who has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is facing trial on treason charges.

UN investigators have in recent months warned of a risk of return to war as the security situation remains precarious.