International Relations Minister Lamola
Juba – South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has touched down in the capital of South Sudan, leading a key African Union group to tackle growing worries about peace and stability in the young nation. As chairperson of the High-Level African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five, known as the C5, Lamola’s two-day visit from 14 to 15 January 2026 sets the stage for an upcoming African Union Peace and Security Council meeting next week. This gathering will take a close look at the troubling security issues still facing South Sudan, including ongoing violence between communities and delays in key peace steps. The trip shows South Africa’s ongoing role in helping its African neighbours build lasting peace, especially as South Sudan gears up for elections later this year.
Lamola’s arrival comes at a tough time for South Sudan, where years of conflict have left deep scars. The country, which gained freedom from Sudan in 2011, has seen civil war and power struggles that killed thousands and forced millions to flee their homes. Now, with a fragile peace deal in place, leaders are working to hold things together. But recent clashes, like riots in Juba over attacks on South Sudanese workers in Sudan, have sparked fresh fears. These events led to the deaths of several Sudanese people in revenge attacks, spreading to four states and showing how quickly old tensions can flare up. Lamola and his team aim to push for better ways to handle these problems, urging everyone to stick to the peace plan and prepare for fair elections.
What is the African Union C5 and Its Role?
The C5 is a special group set up by the African Union to keep an eye on South Sudan’s peace process. It brings together five countries: South Africa as the leader, plus Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda. These nations work together to support South Sudan in following through on its agreements and building a stable government. Lamola, in his role as chairperson, is guiding this effort, drawing on South Africa’s own history of moving from conflict to democracy after apartheid.
This visit is not the first for the C5. It follows up on a similar ministerial trip exactly one year ago, checking on progress and spotting roadblocks. The group steps in at key moments, like now, when South Sudan has pushed back its government term to February 2027. This extension gives more time to sort out big issues, but it also raises questions about whether leaders are truly committed to change. The C5’s work ties into bigger African Union events, including the Peace and Security Council meeting soon and the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in mid-February, where a special C5 Plus Summit will happen. These talks aim to rally more help from across the continent to keep South Sudan on track.
During their time in Juba, the C5 team has a packed schedule. They plan to meet with top South Sudanese officials, such as President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who has led the country since independence, and First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, a key figure in the peace deal. Other important talks will include the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ramadan Mohammad Abdallah, and the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, General Charles Tai Gituai. This commission, often called RJMEC, watches over the peace agreement and reports on what’s working and what’s not.
Key Meetings and Discussions Planned
Lamola’s group will also sit down with people from regional and global bodies who play a big part in South Sudan’s recovery. This includes the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, who leads UN efforts to protect civilians and support peace. Talks will cover the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s mission in South Sudan, a group of East African countries helping with talks, and the African Diplomatic Corps based in Juba. These meetings let everyone share updates on the ground and plan ways to fix ongoing problems.
A main focus will be the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, or R-ARCSS for short. Signed in 2018, this deal ended major fighting and set up a unity government. It calls for steps like bringing together rival armies into one national force, writing a new constitution, and holding elections. The C5 has praised South Sudan for keeping a permanent ceasefire for six years now, which has saved many lives. But they stress the need for regular chats among the presidency to build trust and push things forward.
The visitors will urge leaders to use the extra time wisely. Key tasks still pending include fully uniting the armed forces, which is vital for safe elections. Without this, violence could break out again, scaring people away from voting. The group also wants to see more work on national dialogue, healing old wounds, and rebuilding communities torn by war. They recognise that fair and open elections in December 2026 are the best way to end this long transition period and start real growth for the country.
South Sudan’s Ongoing Security Challenges
South Sudan’s security woes run deep. The country faces constant clashes between ethnic groups over land, cattle, and resources. These fights happen in rural areas but can spill into cities like Juba. Recent riots, sparked by news of South Sudanese workers killed in Sudan’s ongoing war, show how events next door can stir trouble here. South Sudan shares a long border with Sudan, and the two nations’ fates are linked. Refugees from Sudan add to the strain on South Sudan’s already weak services, like health and schools.
On top of that, the economy is in bad shape. Oil makes up most of the government’s money, but falling prices and pipeline issues have cut funds. This means less cash for soldiers’ pay or rebuilding roads and hospitals. Corruption claims have also hurt trust, with some leaders accused of pocketing aid meant for the people. The United Nations and other helpers have stepped in with food, shelters, and peacekeeping troops, but they say more support is needed to make the peace stick.
The C5 commended the global community, including the UN and regional groups like IGAD, for their help so far. They call on everyone to give more to the transition teams, helping South Sudan organise credible polls. This includes training election workers, securing voting sites, and making sure women and young people have a say. Without this, the risk of unrest grows, potentially undoing years of hard work.
Looking Ahead: Plans for Future Summits
As the visit wraps up, the C5 has big plans ahead. They aim to hold a meeting of heads of state on the sides of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa next month. This higher-level talk could bring in more leaders to back South Sudan’s path. It shows the continent’s shared worry about stability in the region, as trouble in one country can affect neighbours through refugees or trade disruptions.
For South Africa, this mission fits into its wider foreign policy. Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, the country pushes for African solutions to African problems, using its experience to guide others. Lamola, who took over as minister after the 2024 elections, has made peace-building a top goal. His recent talks with other nations, like a phone call with China’s foreign minister praising South Africa’s G20 role, show how these efforts link to global ties.
In the end, Lamola’s trip to Juba is more than a quick stop. It is a strong message of support from Africa to South Sudan, urging leaders to finish what they started for a peaceful, prosperous future. As the Peace and Security Council meets next week, the world will watch to see if these steps lead to real change, giving hope to millions still waiting for lasting peace.
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