Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has held talks with President Salva Kiir and pledged support to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
He made the commitment in a meeting with Kiir in Juba Wednesday.
“I would like to play a role towards the ongoing implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan,” said Mr. Johnathan.
The former Nigerian head of state said he would use the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation—which works towards peacebuilding in Africa— to foster peace in South Sudan.
According to the President’s Press Unit,
Johnathan also discussed the regional political crises with President Kiir.
When contacted, the Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny did not disclose the details about the visit of the Nigerian former president
Previous discussions
Nigeria has recently developed an interest in smoothening the political and economic situation in South Sudan.
During the swearing-in ceremony of the Ethiopian Premier Dr. Abiy Ahmed, in Addis Ababa, the current Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and President Salva Kiir held bilateral talks.
Buhari promised to extend a helping hand to South Sudan to stabilize the country and salvage the economic shortfall.
“Nigeria will contribute its quota as much as possible to the development of South Sudan. Take us into confidence and ask us what we can do,” the Nigerian President assured President Kiir.
President Buhari stressed the need for cooperation among developing countries. He highlighted this as imperative and feasible through investing in education, improving the economy, and strengthening healthcare.
President Kiir acknowledged the role played by Nigeria in Africa and the liberation struggle which concluded in the comprehensive peace agreement.
Moreover, the President appreciated the Nigerian First Lady for providing scholarships to South Sudanese.
“In West Africa, ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States)intervenes immediately whenever a country has a problem. That should be adopted in East and Central Africa,” he said.
President Kiir also met with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, concerning South Sudan’s political situation.