The African Union (AU) has announced its intention to deploy the Panel of the Wise (PoW) to South Sudan in an effort to de-escalate the rising political tensions following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar.

In a statement issued on Thursday, March 27, 2025, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep worry over Machar’s detention, warning that the incident could undermine the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in 2018 to end years of civil strife.

“The African Union underscores the imperative for all stakeholders to de-escalate the situation, and uphold the spirit and letter of the Revitalized Agreement, which remains the cornerstone for sustainable peace, stability, and national reconciliation,” Mahmoud stated.

As part of the intervention, Youssouf announced that the AU would deploy the Panel of the Wise — a group of respected African statesmen and diplomats tasked with conflict resolution — to Juba to help ease tensions and restore dialogue among the concerned parties.

“The well-being of the South Sudanese people must remain the foremost priority, and all efforts must be directed towards ensuring an environment conducive to lasting peace and development,” Mahmoud emphasized.

“The Chairperson will deploy the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba as part of efforts to de-escalate the situation,” he added.

The AU called on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could aggravate tensions in the country urging leaders to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful and legal means, prioritizing the welfare of the South Sudanese people.

“The African Union stands in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and reiterates its unwavering support for the full and timely implementation of the peace agreement,” the chairperson added.

He reaffirmed AU’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace process and pledged to continue working with the Government of South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and other international partners.

“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 stated.

Panel of the Wise (PoW)

The Panel of the Wise is one of the most important organs of the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture.

Established under Article 11 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, the Panel consists of eminent Africans who have made significant contributions to peace, security, and development across the continent.

Its role includes supporting the AU Commission and Peace and Security Council in conflict prevention, mediation, and advising on sensitive political matters.

Since its inception in 2007, the Panel has produced influential reports on themes such as impunity, the impact of armed conflicts on women and children, and electoral disputes, and has intervened directly in numerous conflict situations.

The current Panel is chaired by Professor Babacar Kante, former Vice President of the Constitutional Court of Senegal. Other members include Domitien Ndayizeye, former President of Burundi; Amre Moussa, former Foreign Minister of Egypt; Lady Justice Effie Owuor, retired Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya; and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka from Southern Africa.