South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Ronald Lamola (Right), seated with a representative from the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria during the AU C5 High-Level delegation talks in Juba. The session, held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, focused on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and the roadmap for the December 2026 general elections. 📸 Photo Credit: MoFA&IC

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The government of South Sudan hosted the second Joint Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday with the African Union Ad Hoc High-Level Committee for South Sudan (C5). Led by Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

According to a statement by South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, Minister Monday Semaya K. Kumba hosted the AU C5 delegation following their arrival on Wednesday, January 14, for a two-day mission to evaluate the progress of the 2018 peace agreement and 2026 elections.

Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Lomurö, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, presided over the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the RTGoNU and the AU C5 delegation.

The talks brought together SPLM leadership and allied groups—excluding representatives of SPLM-IO led by the suspended First Vice President—to consult with delegates from Algeria, Rwanda, Chad, and Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation is in the country to evaluate critical progress on the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) as the nation nears its historic December 2026 electoral milestone.

The session served as a comprehensive review of South Sudan’s political and economic trajectory, specifically focusing on the security sector reforms and the constitutional frameworks required for the country’s first-ever general elections.

In addition to the C5 representatives, the meeting was attended by a significant cabinet presence, including Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth (Justice and Constitutional Affairs), Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny (Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services), Hon. Lasuba L. Wango (Mining), Hon. Albino Atak (Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management), Hon. Nadia Arop Dudi (Culture, Heritage and Museums), and Hon. Ambassador Akuei Bona Malual (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs).

The discussions aimed to align the government’s efforts with AU expectations ahead of the Peace and Security Council meeting scheduled for January 19, 2026.

The R-ARCSS remains the definitive blueprint for South Sudan’s stability, seeking to solidify power-sharing arrangements and a permanent ceasefire. While the agreement has significantly reduced active conflict, Wednesday’s Joint Ministerial Meeting addressed the “lagging provisions” essential for a credible transition, such as the unification of forces and the finalisation of electoral laws.

Minister Lamola’s mission, occurring exactly one year after the C5’s previous assessment, underscores the African Union’s commitment to providing direct diplomatic support to the RTGoNU as it navigates the complexities of the 2026 roadmap.

Established by the AU Peace and Security Council in 2014, the C5 is mandated to bolster the mediation efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Chaired by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, the committee provides a unique continental mechanism for direct diplomacy. By engaging with South Sudanese policy makers head-on, the C5 helps foster the national consensus necessary for a stable economic and political environment.

This visit will feed directly into the upcoming 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly and the proposed C5-Plus Summit in mid-February, ensuring South Sudan’s progress remains a central priority for the African continent.