Dr. Rieck Mcahar President Salvakiie

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Thursday that the success of South Sudan’s fragile peace process rests squarely on the country’s leaders, warning that international partners cannot replace their responsibility.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the South African parliament, Mashatile said he serves as special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa on South Sudan, with a mandate to support the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

“Ultimately, the peace process in South Sudan depends on the political will of its leaders,” he said. “Our role is to support them and not substitute their responsibility.”

South Africa, alongside the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), acts as a guarantor of the agreement through the C5 grouping, which also includes Algeria, Chad, Nigeria and Rwanda.

The bloc was established by the AU Peace and Security Council in December 2014 and has repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities, the release of opposition leader Riek Machar, and inclusive political dialogue.

Mashatile said he had undertaken two working visits to Juba since assuming his role, most recently in October last year. During a 2024 visit, he met with key parties to the peace agreement, including President Salva Kiir, and held discussions alongside then foreign minister Naledi Pandor with the head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan.