By Media360Impact | Abuja
Nigeria and South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting peace and supporting democratic governance as both countries agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, security and socio-cultural sectors.
The commitment was reached during a meeting between the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to Nigeria, Ambassador David Buom Choat, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The discussions focused on South Sudan’s ongoing peace process, national reconciliation efforts and ways to enhance cooperation between the two African nations.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to supporting sustainable peace, stability and inclusive dialogue in South Sudan, urging the country’s leadership to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
He stressed that transparency, inclusiveness and national unity are essential to ensuring the success of South Sudan’s scheduled presidential election in December 2026.
The Minister also called on the South Sudanese government to intensify efforts to end internal conflicts and ensure a ceasefire in the White Nile region to create a peaceful environment for its citizens.
He recalled Nigeria’s historic role in South Sudan’s journey to independence, noting that the Abuja I and Abuja II peace talks held in the early 1990s laid the foundation for the country’s eventual independence in 2011.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to promoting peace and reconciliation in South Sudan through his role as a member of the African Union Ad Hoc Committee of Five (C5).
He described the peace process led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union as the most viable path toward lasting peace, security and stability in South Sudan.
The Minister further disclosed that Nigeria remains committed to supporting South Sudan through the deployment of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers and expressed readiness to send more professionals based on the country’s needs.
Concern Over Assault on Nigerian Diplomat
During the meeting, Ambassador Enikanolaiye strongly condemned the recent assault on a Nigerian diplomat in Juba, South Sudan’s capital.
He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The Minister also urged South Sudanese authorities to strengthen security around Nigerian diplomatic personnel in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, warning that attacks on Nigerian diplomats would not be tolerated.
Responding, Ambassador David Buom Choat congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and described him as an experienced and accomplished diplomat.
He conveyed the South Sudanese government’s regret over the assault on the Nigerian diplomat and assured that the incident is currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities.
Push for Democratic Elections
Both countries emphasized the importance of conducting credible, free, fair and inclusive elections in South Sudan as a critical step toward consolidating democracy and achieving lasting peace.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to support preparations for a successful electoral process.
He also stressed the need for judicial proceedings involving imprisoned Vice President Rick Mercia to be concluded with fairness, equity and justice.
Ministerial Commission to Boost Cooperation
As part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations, both countries agreed on the need to establish a Nigeria–South Sudan Ministerial Commission.
The commission is expected to provide a structured platform for regular high-level engagements and cooperation in political, economic, security and socio-cultural matters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the Government and people of South Sudan in promoting peace, security and shared prosperity across the region.
