WATCH | ‘Lay down arms now’ — Ramaphosa pleads for peace in Africa

Cyril Ramaphosa

Addis Ababa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over rising conflict, instability and unconstitutional changes of government across Africa, as he leads a high-level South African delegation to the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Ethiopia.

Addressing fellow leaders, Ramaphosa said South Africa “appreciates the report on the state of peace and security on our continent, and remains concerned about worsening conditions of conflict, war and instability on our continent.”

He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Union’s long-term development blueprint, stating: “South Africa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa as articulated in #Agenda2063.”

The president noted that several African countries remain suspended from the African Union due to Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs), warning that such actions “reverse democratic gains and development of our continent.”

He added that “the slow transition to constitutional order by the suspended countries is of concern” and called for “demonstrable and comprehensive political engagement” to help affected nations transition “successfully and speedily” without relapsing into conflict.

Turning to Sudan, Ramaphosa said: “The situation in Sudan remains of concern to us all. We reiterate our call for all warring parties to lay down their arms immediately, allow unfettered humanitarian access and, most importantly, embark on an inclusive national political dialogue as the only way towards a sustainable resolution.”

On South Sudan, he described recent political and security developments as “concerning” and called for “a ceasefire in all affected states” and an “all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for free, inclusive and credible elections to end the long transition.”

Ramaphosa announced that South Africa, together with other C5 members and IGAD partners, is hosting a C5 Plus Summit in Addis Ababa to consolidate peace efforts in South Sudan. He stressed the need for “pragmatism and for an honest assessment of the minimum conditions required to conduct free, inclusive and credible elections.”

The president also addressed the security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying South Africa is “concerned about the prevailing security and humanitarian situation” despite ongoing mediation efforts.

“We reiterate that the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be upheld and respected. We condemn the continued capture of territories by the M23/AFC in the Kivu and Ituri provinces. Such unlawful actions must be corrected decisively,” he said.

Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa has assumed the role of the Regional Oversight Mechanism for the DRC and the region and pledged to work with all signatory countries “to find a durable solution to this protracted conflict.”

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