By Charmaine Ndlela
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and South Sudan, warning that escalating conflicts threaten Africa’s peace and stability.
Addressing the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the Nelson Mandela Convention Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ramaphosa said peace and security remain top priorities for the continent.
“We call for a ceasefire in all affected states and urge all stakeholders to engage in an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for free, inclusive and credible elections to end the long transition,” Ramaphosa said.
He reiterated the need for warring parties to lay down their arms, allow unfettered humanitarian access and commit to inclusive national dialogue as the only path to sustainable peace.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the report on the state of peace and security on the continent but expressed concern over worsening conditions of conflict, war and instability.
The war in Sudan erupted on April 15, 2023, following a violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum.
Delivering remarks on the report of the Peace and Security Council, Ramaphosa also raised alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We reiterate that the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be upheld and respected,” he said.
He condemned the continued capture of territory by the M23/AFC rebels in the Kivu and Ituri provinces, describing the actions as unlawful and requiring decisive correction.
The DRC government has designated M23 a terrorist organisation after the group resumed armed conflict in late 2021, seizing mineral-rich territory in the country’s east. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have so far failed.
Ramaphosa said South Africa would continue working with signatory countries to existing peace frameworks to secure durable solutions to protracted conflicts.
He described the conflict in Sudan as a setback to Africa’s efforts to “silence the guns” and achieve lasting peace, stability and development.
On Sunday, South Africa, together with other C5 members and members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, will host the C5 Plus Summit in Addis Ababa to consolidate peace efforts in South Sudan.
“There is a need for pragmatism and for an honest assessment of the minimum conditions required to conduct free, inclusive and credible elections, while acknowledging that certain processes may necessarily extend beyond the lifespan of the Revitalised Agreement,” said Ramaphosa.
“South Africa is concerned about the prevailing security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, despite several mediation and peace processes.”
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