Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for peace efforts in South Sudan and called for immediate implementation of the revitalised peace agreement.
President Bola Tinubu urged the unconditional release of detained First Vice President Riek Machar.
The appeal was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at an African Union high-level meeting in Addis Ababa.
The meeting was the AU C-5 Plus Summit on South Sudan, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Nigeria also called for an inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation forum involving all political and opposition groups in South Sudan.
President Tinubu said peace and unity are essential for progress in security reforms and constitution drafting processes.
He urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritise inclusive, peaceful and transparent national elections to rebuild public confidence.
Nigeria said insecurity and political tension are slowing the country’s transition and undermining development and stability efforts.
President Ramaphosa praised African leaders for supporting peace talks and urged faster implementation of the revitalised agreement.
Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, proposed appointing a lead mediator to monitor peace agreement implementation.
Other leaders attending included representatives from Ethiopia, Algeria, Chad, Rwanda and the African Union Commission.
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Meanwhile, Nigeria pledged to host and support the Gulf of Guinea Combined Maritime Task Force headquarters.
Vice President Shettima said Nigeria would provide office facilities, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel for the force.
He added that stronger African cooperation is needed to tackle maritime crime, debt distress and illegal mineral exploitation.
Nigeria also expressed support for strengthening the African Standby Force and advancing continental justice institutions.
