The African Union Peace and Security Council is set to visit South Sudan this week, in a move aimed at supporting the country’s fragile political and security situation.

The visit comes as the South Sudanese government continues to affirm its commitment to holding the nation’s first democratic elections in December 2026. However, this follows recent recommendations from the C5 leadership urging President Salva Kiir to address ongoing political grievances, including the release of opposition leader Riek Machar and seven others currently facing trial in the capital, Juba.

According to reports, the AU delegation is expected to arrive on Wednesday. During the visit, members will brief President Kiir before engaging with other political leaders to discuss the future of the peace implementation process.

The mission takes place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, particularly in northern Jonglei State, where intensified clashes have displaced more than 10,000 people—most of them women and children. The situation has raised concerns that South Sudan may be at risk of slipping back into broader conflict.

The AU’s visit is intended to encourage political stability, including calls for the release of Dr Machar and a return to dialogue among all parties. However, critics argue that meaningful progress is unlikely without Machar’s direct participation, especially as forces aligned with the SPLA-IO are reportedly gaining strength in parts of the country.

Dr Machar, leader of the main opposition, was placed under house arrest in March after being accused by the government of orchestrating the Nasir incident, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 250 government soldiers. He had previously returned to Juba in 2020 to form a transitional government of national unity alongside President Kiir. However, relations between the two leaders have remained strained, contributing to ongoing delays in implementing key peace agreements.