Nigeria and South Sudan have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, with renewed commitments to peacebuilding, democratic governance and expanded cooperation across political, economic and security sectors.
The agreement was reached when Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to Nigeria, Ambassador David Buom Choat, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the meeting focused on the ongoing peace process and national reconciliation efforts in South Sudan, as well as measures to deepen relations between both countries.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting lasting peace, stability and inclusive dialogue in South Sudan, in line with Nigeria’s longstanding role in regional peace initiatives.
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He urged the South Sudanese government to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement through openness, transparency and inclusiveness to pave the way for the scheduled presidential election in December 2026.
Securing Ceasefire
The minister also called on South Sudan to intensify efforts to end internal conflicts, including securing a ceasefire in the White Nile region, to create a peaceful environment for its citizens.
Recalling Nigeria’s historic role in South Sudan’s journey to independence.
Enikanolaiye highlighted the Abuja-1 and Abuja-2 peace talks, “which laid a solid foundation and played a significant role in the process leading to South Sudan’s independence in 2011.”
He further noted that President Bola Tinubu, as a member of the African Union Ad hoc Committee of Five (C5) in South Sudan, remains deeply committed to promoting peace and national reconciliation in the country.
According to the minister, “the IGAD-AU-led peace process remains the surest pathway to enduring peace, security and stability in South Sudan.”
Enikanolaiye also reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued support for South Sudan’s human capacity development through the deployment of Technical Aid Corps volunteers, adding that Nigeria is prepared to send additional volunteers upon request.
The minister expressed grave concern over the recent assault on a Nigerian diplomat in Juba, strongly condemning the incident and demanding a thorough investigation, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
He stressed that attacks on Nigerian diplomats would not be tolerated and called on the South Sudanese authorities to strengthen security for Nigerian diplomatic personnel in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and established international diplomatic norms.
Responding, Ambassador Choat congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, describing it as well-deserved in recognition of his distinguished diplomatic career.
He also conveyed the South Sudanese government’s regrets over the attack on the Nigerian diplomat, assuring that investigations were already underway.
Both sides underscored the importance of conducting credible, free, fair and inclusive elections as essential to consolidating democracy and lasting peace in South Sudan.
Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at ensuring a successful electoral process. He also called for judicial proceedings involving the imprisoned Vice President, Rick Mercia, to be concluded in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.
“Both parties emphasised the critical importance of holding credible, free, fair and inclusive elections as a necessary step towards consolidating democratic governance and lasting peace in South Sudan.”
The proposed commission is expected to serve as a framework for regular high-level consultations and enhanced collaboration in political, economic, security and socio-cultural affairs.
The spokesperson said the meeting reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continued constructive engagement with the Government and people of South Sudan in pursuit of peace, security and shared prosperity.
