President Salva Kiir Mayardit confirmed South Sudan’s commitment to the Tumaini peace negotiations, aiming to integrate the concerns of hold-out groups into the existing Revitalized Peace Agreement. The UN reflects on the imperatives of a coherent work plan following the extension of the transitional period. Officials underscore the urgent need for humanitarian access amidst the ongoing crises in South Sudan.
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, reiterated the commitment to the Tumaini peace conversations taking place in Nairobi with dissident factions. He emphasized that the discussions are not meant to establish a new deal but rather to incorporate the concerns of the hold-out groups into the existing Revitalized Peace Agreement. President Kiir articulated that the initiative aims to ensure inclusivity and continuity of peace efforts, stating, “Any agreement to replace the existing one will defeat the principle of inclusivity and will certainly lead to a cycle of conflict.” Furthermore, he indicated that adjustments to the government delegation for the Tumaini talks were made to expedite negotiations.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, termed the recent extension of the transitional period and postponement of elections as regrettable yet unavoidable given the stagnation in implementing key aspects of the peace agreement. He stressed the necessity for a coherent and actionable work plan for the forthcoming two years, urging all parties to act with urgency to fulfill their commitments to the South Sudanese populace. President Kiir echoed this sentiment by encouraging potential electoral candidates to prepare for the elections scheduled for December 2026, noting that, “24 months is not a big thing. If you are not prepared, you better start preparing yourselves.”
During discussions at the annual Governor’s Forum, Haysom emphasized the aspirations for a shift from ongoing conflict to a vision centered on peacebuilding and resilience. He called upon governors to confront the root causes of conflict by enhancing service delivery through a responsible financial management strategy to tackle the humanitarian crisis affecting the nation. Simultaneously, Deputy Special Representative Anita Kiki Gbeho stressed the critical requirement for leaders at all levels to ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid organizations amid increasing challenges faced by those in need. The forum served as a platform to fortify cooperation among leaders in addressing security and economic challenges, as well as promoting the effective execution of the peace agreement.
The context surrounding the Tumaini Initiative involves ongoing efforts to reconcile the South Sudanese government with various hold-out groups. Following the significant challenges of enforcing the Revitalized Peace Agreement of 2018, President Kiir’s commitment to a dialogue process reflects an attempt to sustain Peace Agreement in light of rising tensions and humanitarian crises. The Tumaini talks, held in Nairobi, are critical in addressing the reservations of these groups, ensuring inclusivity while fostering a collaborative political environment to avert future conflict. The engagement of the UN representatives underscores the importance of international support in the peacebuilding process, highlighting issues like humanitarian access amidst a dire humanitarian situation, including widespread food insecurity and displacement.
In closing, President Salva Kiir’s confirmation of the commitment to the Tumaini peace negotiations marks a significant forward step towards fostering inclusivity and addressing the concerns of hold-out groups without jeopardizing the existing Revitalized Peace Agreement. The emphasis on a clear action plan, urgent decision-making, and the necessity for cooperative governance is crucial in confronting South Sudan’s current humanitarian and political challenges. The ongoing collaborative efforts between national leaders and the international community are vital to ensure a smoother pathway towards lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
