African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has held a two-day meeting with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir over the volatile situation in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, AUC revealed that the meeting focused on several issues, including the evolving political and security situation and the status of the peace process.

“The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) jointly reaffirm their unwavering support to the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan in their ongoing pursuit of peace, national unity, democratic governance, and sustainable development. From 5 to 6 May 2025, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission undertook an official visit to Juba, in close coordination with IGAD, to engage with South Sudanese authorities and key stakeholders on the evolving political and security situation and the status of the peace process,” the statement read in part.

“The visit comes at a pivotal moment as South Sudan advances through its transitional period under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). While in Juba, the Chairperson held high-level consultations with H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and other senior government officials.”

The meeting between the two leaders focused on preserving the gains of the peace agreement, fostering inclusive national dialogue and consensus, supporting the timely, credible, and transparent implementation of the transitional roadmap and strengthening governance institutions.

“In addition, the Chairperson engaged with regional and international partners, including the African diplomatic corps and TROIKA representatives, to enhance coordination and reinforce a unified approach to supporting South Sudan’s transition. The AUC and IGAD emphasize that peace, stability, and inclusive governance are indispensable foundations for South Sudan’s sustainable development and regional integration,” the statement added.

“They further underline the need for mutual trust, national cohesion, respect for political and civic space, and continued commitment to dialogue and compromise. The African Union and IGAD remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Government and people of South Sudan as well as international and regional partners to safeguard peace, uphold the principles of the R-ARCSS, and support a future grounded in unity, resilience, and prosperity.”

South Sudan instability

This comes days after BBC reported that at least seven people had been killed after a hospital and a market were bombed in the country

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said helicopter gunships dropped a bomb on the pharmacy of the hospital it ran in Old Fangak, Jonglei state, burning it down, before firing on the town for 30 minutes. A drone then bombed a local market, MSF said.

The hospital is the only one in Fangak county, which has a population of more than 110,000 people, MSF said, and all its medical supplies were destroyed.

The charity called the attack, which left 20 people injured, a “clear violation of international humanitarian law”.