President Tinubu takes a bold stand for peace in South Sudan.
When it comes to African diplomacy, Nigeria has always played the role of the big brother who wants everyone to get along for the sake of progress.
This week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took that commitment a step further by calling for a major breakthrough in the South Sudan peace process. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the African Union High Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan in Addis Ababa, the Nigerian leader made it clear that the time for “long stories” is over.
He stood before other African heads of state to advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, along with other key opposition figures who have been caught in the web of political detention. This move is not just about one man; it is about the “ginger” needed to push a fragile nation toward a more stable and prosperous future.
The urgent need to release Riek Machar for national stability.
The “real koko” of the matter is that you cannot build a house of peace if some of the main architects are locked away. President Tinubu emphasized that for the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan to actually work, there must be a genuine atmosphere of trust.
By calling for the release of Riek Machar, Nigeria is sending a strong signal that political differences should be settled at the roundtable, not in detention centers. The President believes that freeing these figures will act as a “catalyst” for reconciliation. It is about moving away from the “wahala” of the past and embracing a system where every voice matters.
For a country like South Sudan that has seen so much struggle, this kind of bold intervention from a leader like Tinubu is exactly the kind of external push needed to get the peace train back on its tracks.
Nigeria remains a dedicated big brother in African diplomacy
During the summit, which was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nigeria’s presence was felt strongly. Tinubu’s message was one of “doctrinal commitment” to the people of South Sudan.
He made it clear that Nigeria is not just a “follow follow” partner but a leader that is ready to accompany the South Sudanese Transitional Government of Unity every step of the way. This is personal for us as Nigerians because we know that when one part of the continent is in trouble, the rest of us cannot sleep with both eyes closed.
The President’s speech reflected a deep desire to see South Sudan move from being a “country of potential” to a country of actual results. We are putting our weight behind their aspiration for lasting development because their success is a victory for the entire African continent.
Building a future through national dialogue and inclusive elections
The final destination of this entire process is to have elections that are inclusive, peaceful, and transparent. President Tinubu pointed out that without a proper national dialogue and a reconciliation forum that includes everyone, the “shakara” of democratic promises will remain empty.
He urged all parties to engage with the mediation process without giving any “preconditions” that could stall progress. The goal is to build a system where the common man in South Sudan can trust the ballot box more than the bullet. As the 39th AU Assembly continues, the focus remains on ensuring that elite consensus and national unity take center stage. For Nigeria, the mission is simple:
we want to see a South Sudan where peace is the permanent reality and where leadership is decided by the people, for the people. It is time to keep our eyes on the ball and ensure that the transition to a full democracy is handled with the seriousness it deserves.
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