The African Union (AU) is sending a high-level delegation to South Sudan later this month as part of a two-day solidarity mission aimed at reinforcing support for women’s participation in peacebuilding and political processes. The visit, taking place from 17–18 November 2025 in Juba, will run under the theme “Homegrown Solutions, Women-Led Peace for South Sudan: Keeping Hope Alive.”

The AU said the trip comes at a crucial moment in the country’s fragile transition, where ongoing humanitarian pressures continue to weigh heavily on women and girls. Despite the difficult conditions, South Sudanese women remain key drivers of community mediation, conflict resolution and local peacebuilding initiatives. The mission is designed to highlight their leadership and advocate for stronger implementation of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) commitments set out under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), Agenda 2063 and the Continental Results Framework on WPS.

The visit is being coordinated by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security (OSE-WPS). It is being organised in partnership with several AU departments, including the Mediation and Dialogue Unit (MDU), the Women Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD) and the Gender, Peace and Security Programme (GPSP). The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS) and South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Affairs will also take part.

The AU said the mission is being supported by a wide group of international and regional partners. These include the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UN Women, the Women International Peace Centre, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, and the German development agency GIZ.

The agenda is built around five core objectives, all aimed at helping advance women’s roles in peace efforts and strengthen long-term stability in the country.

The first priority, the AU said, is Solidarity and Political Support, with the delegation set to reaffirm its commitment to the WPS agenda and advocate for full, equal participation of South Sudanese women across peace, governance and recovery platforms.

The second objective focuses on Engagement and Dialogue, with AU representatives scheduled to hold direct conversations with women leaders, civil society organisations, political actors and humanitarian groups. These discussions aim to collect gender-specific insights into the current landscape.

A third pillar, Needs and Opportunities Assessment, will look at immediate and medium-term priorities relating to women’s protection, economic prospects and political representation.

The AU will also work on Policy and Advocacy Influence, using findings from the mission to prepare evidence-based recommendations for the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) and guide continental advocacy around South Sudan.

The final objective, Women’s Empowerment and Impact, centres on ensuring that women’s views are fully acknowledged and that their leadership is advanced throughout the peace process.

The AU said the mission is expected to produce concrete results across four areas linked directly to women’s inclusion and the wider peace strategy.

The first expected outcome is Strengthened AU Commitment, with the delegation aiming to provide clear and visible affirmation of solidarity with South Sudanese women.

Another anticipated result is the advancement of Inclusive Dialogue Processes, ensuring that contributions from women leaders, civil society and political stakeholders are captured and incorporated into community-driven peace implementation plans.

In terms of policy, the AU plans to generate Policy and Advocacy Impact by preparing detailed recommendations for the PSC. The mission is also expected to help build momentum behind the ratification of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

The fourth anticipated outcome is Enhanced Women-Led Peace Outcomes, which refers to practical improvements in the participation, protection and recognition of women as central figures in peace and recovery efforts.

Participants in the mission will include members of the AU delegation from the OSE-WPS, MDU, WGYD and GPSP. The group will meet senior government officials, including representatives from the Office of the Vice President on Gender, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MGCSW), the Gender Committee and the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.

A wide range of local actors will also be involved. These include women leaders from politics, governance and academia, as well as representatives of women’s civil society networks, faith organisations and youth groups. Engagements are also planned with the FEMWISE South Sudan National Chapter.

Regional and international partners will take part in various parts of the mission, including AUMISS, IGAD, RJMEC, CTSAMVM, UNMISS, UN Women, UNDP, WFP and diplomatic partners.

The AU noted that the mission has been made possible through coordination with UNMISS, UN Women, the Women International Peace Centre, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region and GIZ, reflecting a collective effort to support women’s leadership during a crucial period for South Sudan’s peace process.