The UNMISS has welcomed the resumption of peace talks facilitated in Kenya between South Sudan’s government and opposition groups. The Deputy Special Representative, Guang Cong, commended the leadership of both President Salva Kiir and President William Ruto while highlighting the importance of an inclusive approach to the negotiations to ensure lasting peace.
On December 5, 2023, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed its support for the resumption of peace negotiations in Kenya involving the Juba government and various opposition factions. During the initiation of the Tumaini Initiative, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative-Political, Guang Cong, praised the leadership of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Kenyan President William Ruto for their efforts in reconvening the discussions. He emphasized the importance of concluding the talks promptly to meet the aspirations of the South Sudanese populace.
Furthermore, Guang Cong acknowledged the dedication of the involved parties over the past seven months, recognizing their commitment to achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan. He also appealed for an atmosphere of openness within the negotiations, highlighting that such a spirit is crucial for successful outcomes. Guang asserted that the collective commitment of all participants is necessary to earn the trust of both regional and international stakeholders.
The UNMISS representative reiterated the long-standing yearning of the South Sudanese people for peace, stressing the necessity for the negotiations to incorporate diverse voices from civil society, including women, youth, and leaders from faith-based and traditional backgrounds. Guang Cong reaffirmed the commitment of UNMISS and the broader United Nations to support ongoing efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace within South Sudan.
The Tumaini Initiative represents a critical effort to foster dialogue and achieve peace among conflicting parties in South Sudan. The resumption of these talks comes after several months of dialogue interruption, during which various stakeholders prepared for renewed negotiations. In this context, the involvement of regional leaders such as President Ruto of Kenya highlights the international dimension of peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan, underscoring the importance of collaborative regional diplomacy in resolving local conflicts.
In conclusion, the resumption of peace talks in Kenya marks a hopeful step towards resolving the prolonged conflict in South Sudan. With the commitment of leaders and the involvement of a wide range of voices in the discussions, there is a potential pathway to attain durable peace. The UNMISS continues to play a pivotal role in these endeavors, emphasizing inclusive participation and collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the peace process.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
