Addis Ababa, February 14, 2026 (SSNA) — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace and stability in both South Sudan and neighboring Sudan during the 39th Heads of State and Government Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa. However, critics and opposition leaders have questioned the sincerity of his pledge, citing long-standing delays in implementing the September 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
In his address, Kiir emphasized that peace and security are essential for continental and regional development, calling for stronger cooperation among African leaders to tackle ongoing conflicts and humanitarian challenges. He reiterated his government’s commitment to fully implementing peace agreements and working with regional and international partners to support dialogue and reconciliation.
Opposition figures argue that delays in key reforms, power-sharing arrangements, and security transitions have undermined confidence in the peace process and allowed localized violence to persist, raising fears of a return to full-scale civil war. Analysts note that the stalled implementation of the peace agreement remains a major source of domestic political tension and has drawn concern from regional mediators and international observers.
The AU summit, which brings together leaders from across the continent to discuss security, governance, and development, provided a platform for both Kiir’s peace commitments and growing calls for accountability in meeting long-promised peace benchmarks.