In a concerted effort to address South Sudan’s escalating security crisis, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions with the country’s leadership. These meetings underscore a regional commitment to stability and preventing further deterioration of peace in South Sudan.

President Mohamud’s talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar reaffirm Somalia’s solidarity with the South Sudanese people. He emphasized Somalia’s commitment to supporting efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution to South Sudan’s ongoing challenges, reflecting the broader objective of promoting stability and cooperation within the Horn of Africa.

In parallel, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Timothewos led a high-level delegation to Juba on March 7, 2025. His visit further demonstrated Ethiopia’s dedication to South Sudan’s stability, emphasizing regional security and the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties. Ethiopia has been a key mediator in South Sudan’s peace process, and this recent engagement reaffirms its role in supporting peace initiatives in the region.

These diplomatic efforts come at a critical time, as South Sudan faces increasing violence and instability. On March 8, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council raised alarm over escalating human rights violations. On March 5, 2025, the South Sudanese government arrested the petroleum minister and several senior military officials allied with First Vice President Machar, threatening to destabilize the fragile peace agreement that ended the country’s civil war.

The efforts by Somalia and Ethiopia reflect a shared commitment to regional stability. Both nations recognize that instability in South Sudan has significant implications for the entire Horn of Africa. Their coordinated actions emphasize the importance of African-led solutions to regional challenges, underscoring the necessity of dialogue, cooperation, and sustained diplomatic intervention.

As South Sudan’s fragile peace faces mounting challenges, the role of neighboring nations in fostering long-term stability and security remains critical. The engagements by Presidents Mohamud and Timothewos with South Sudanese leadership signal a determined effort to contribute to a lasting peace.