A group of South Sudanese activists, experts and a religious leader who travelled to Addis Ababa this week have urged the African Union to act now to break the impasse of South Sudan's civil war, or risk the young country succumbing to famine and total state failure, with repercussions for the entire region.

The activists’ visit follows the publication of a UN report warning of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

The delegation is scheduled to meet the AU Commission's new Chairperson, former Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moussa Faki Mahamat, and other senior officials.

Delegate member Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, said: "Chairperson Mahamat can begin to shape his legacy right now, at the start of his term, by taking the sort of bold leadership that people expect of the AU.”

He further said Mahamat can use his political leverage to launch a political process to rescue the peace agreement, which would boost people's trust in the AU and re-energize global efforts for peace.

Peter Biar Awake, who coordinates the South Sudan Young Leader's Forum, said: "I am travelling to Addis to present officials with a plan to rescue South Sudan. Firstly, the AU should give more resources and manpower to its special envoy, Alpha Oumar Konaré, so he can engage in political talks with various groups around the country.” 

“Secondly, Chairperson Mahamat should convene an international conference to unify global efforts for peace. Thirdly, the AU should help create a conducive environment for reconciliation and dialogue among South Sudanese on all outstanding issues, including how to bring human rights violators to justice,” he added.

Meanwhile, delegate member Bishop Enock Tombe of the Episcopal Diocese of Rejaf and a widely respected religious leader said the wounds of South Sudan and its people can only begin to heal when those who have destroyed lives are brought to justice.