By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for the immediate release of South Sudan’s detained vice-president, Riek Machar, reaffirming Abuja’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding and political stability across Africa.
Speaking through a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the political developments in South Sudan, warning that the continued detention of senior opposition figures risks undermining fragile peace efforts in the world’s youngest nation.
The Nigerian leader urged all parties in Juba to respect the spirit and provisions of existing peace agreements, stressing that dialogue and inclusiveness remain the only sustainable paths to national reconciliation.
“Nigeria believes strongly in negotiated settlements and inclusive governance,” Tinubu said, noting that political crises on the continent must be resolved through diplomacy rather than coercion.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions in South Sudan, adding that Abuja stands prepared to support renewed mediation initiatives aimed at preventing a relapse into widespread violence.
Tinubu’s intervention reflects Nigeria’s broader foreign policy posture, which places peacekeeping and conflict resolution at the centre of its engagement with Africa. Successive Nigerian administrations have played leading roles in stabilisation efforts across the continent, from peace missions to high-level shuttle diplomacy.
Analysts say the president’s statement signals Abuja’s intention to remain an active diplomatic force, particularly at a time when insecurity and political instability continue to threaten development across parts of Africa.
The Presidency emphasised that Nigeria’s appeal is driven by concern for the South Sudanese people and by the conviction that durable peace can only be achieved through mutual trust, political compromise and respect for democratic processes.
Tinubu concluded by calling on South Sudanese leaders to prioritise national unity over factional interests, warning that prolonged political deadlock would further deepen humanitarian challenges and economic hardship in the country.
