Nigeria and the Republic of South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations while intensifying cooperation to promote peace, stability, democratic governance and socio-economic development in the East African nation.
The renewed commitment was made during a meeting between Nigeria’s 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 centred on South Sudan’s ongoing peace and national reconciliation process, preparations for the country’s scheduled presidential election in December 2026, and strategies for expanding diplomatic and bilateral cooperation between both nations.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for sustainable peace and inclusive dialogue in South Sudan, describing stability in the country as essential to regional peace and development. He urged the South Sudanese Government to recommit itself to the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement through openness, transparency and inclusiveness to ensure credible elections and lasting national unity.
The minister also called on the South Sudanese authorities to intensify efforts to end internal conflicts, including achieving a ceasefire in the White Nile region, to create a peaceful environment that would enable citizens to participate fully in nation-building.
Both diplomats reflected on Nigeria’s historic role in South Sudan’s journey to independence, recalling the Abuja I and Abuja II peace talks of the early 1990s, which laid important foundations for the country’s eventual independence in 2011. They described the longstanding friendship between both nations as a strong platform for deeper political, economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains actively committed to promoting peace and national reconciliation in South Sudan through his role as a member of the African Union Ad hoc Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan.
He stressed that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and African Union-led peace initiative remains the most viable framework for achieving enduring peace, security and political stability in the country.
The minister further highlighted Nigeria’s continued support for South Sudan’s human capital development through the deployment of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers, adding that Nigeria stands ready to provide additional volunteers in response to requests from the South Sudanese Government.
On the safety of Nigerian diplomatic personnel, Ambassador Enikanolaiye expressed deep concern over the recent assault on a Nigerian diplomat in Juba. He strongly condemned the attack and called for a comprehensive investigation, urging South Sudanese authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
He also appealed to the Government of South Sudan to strengthen security measures for Nigerian diplomats in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and established international diplomatic norms.
Responding, Ambassador David Buom Choat congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, describing his elevation as well deserved given his distinguished diplomatic career and wealth of experience.
The South Sudanese envoy expressed his government’s regret over the assault on the Nigerian diplomat and assured that investigations were already underway to bring those responsible to justice.
Both sides underscored the importance of conducting credible, free, fair and inclusive presidential elections as a critical milestone in consolidating democracy and securing lasting peace in South Sudan.
Nigeria reiterated its readiness to support initiatives that would create the necessary conditions for a peaceful and successful electoral process. Ambassador Enikanolaiye also called for judicial proceedings involving the imprisoned Vice President, Rick Mercia, to be conducted with fairness, equity and justice.
To further strengthen bilateral relations, both countries agreed on the need for the early establishment of a Nigeria-South Sudan Ministerial Commission. The proposed commission is expected to serve as a permanent mechanism for regular high-level consultations and expanded cooperation in political, economic, security and socio-cultural sectors.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and stronger diplomatic relations, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Nigeria’s continued support for the Government and people of South Sudan in their pursuit of peace, security and shared prosperity.
