South Sudan crisis: AU calls for peace after Riek Machar's reported arrest

The African Union has raised concerns over the reported arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, on Wednesday, calling for dialogue to resolve the issue.

In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf urged all parties to maintain peace and seek alternative conflict resolution strategies.

“The African Union underscores the imperative for all stakeholders to de-escalate the situation and uphold the spirit and letter of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which remains the cornerstone for sustainable peace, stability, and national reconciliation,” said Youssouf.

He added: “The African Union urges all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from any actions that could exacerbate tensions, and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any outstanding issues through peaceful and legal means.”

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The AU chairperson has urged the conflicting parties to prioritise the well-being of civilians as they focus on restoring peace and development.

The Union has pledged its support for the South Sudanese in the timely implementation of the peace agreement and is working with international partners to ensure its success.

“The Chairperson calls upon all parties to recommit to the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and respect for human rights as essential pillars of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan,” he said.

Youssouf has also promised to deploy the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba as part of efforts to de-escalate the situation.

The AU statement comes hours after South Sudan's opposition reported that Machar, a long-time rival to President Salva Kiir, had been arrested.

A convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles reportedly entered Machar's residence in the capital, Juba, late on Wednesday and arrested him, according to a statement issued by a member of his party. The development marks a dramatic escalation in a conflict that has been brewing for weeks in the world’s youngest nation.

This latest development places the prospect of a peace deal in jeopardy, raising fears of a fresh civil war in South Sudan.