On Monday, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) endorsed the report of the field mission conducted by its delegation to South Sudan from 10 to 12 August. Algeria led this high-level delegation as part of its presidency of the Council this month.

In a statement, the Council explained that "this field mission allowed for the collection of firsthand information on progress made in implementing the agreement aimed at resolving the conflict in South Sudan and monitoring the ongoing transitional process in the country."

The Council affirmed that the delegation "sought to support the PSC’s future decisions on necessary steps to provide effective assistance to the Transitional Government of National Unity and the people of South Sudan in ensuring a successful transition within the newly established timelines."

It clarified that the PSC delegation’s visit carried key messages, primarily centered on "expressing solidarity with the government and people of South Sudan in their efforts to achieve peace, security, and good governance in the country."

The statement added, "The mission also aimed to encourage all parties to build trust in the peace process and urged them to respect and uphold the provisions of the revitalized agreement, as it serves as the framework granting legitimacy to all stakeholders."

The PSC expressed concern over "the current political and security situation in the country" and, in light of this, called on all South Sudanese parties to "engage in high-level dialogue with the support of the AU Commission as the only viable path toward a sustainable resolution of all disputes."

The Council further urged South Sudan’s leaders to "advance the peace process in accordance with the terms of the revitalized agreement, emphasizing that any further delays could undermine the agreement, the elections, and the transition toward a stable and peaceful democracy."

It is worth noting that the PSC delegation, led by Algeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the AU, Mohamed Khalid, held a series of meetings with senior officials and key stakeholders during its visit, including South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. The delegation head was granted a private meeting with President Kiir, during which they discussed the current political and security situation in the country.