South Sudan’s government is set to resume peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, aiming for lasting stability. The Tumaini peace initiative involves ongoing discussions between the transitional government and opposition groups. Commitment from all involved parties has been reiterated, with hopes for achieving a final agreement following recent high-level discussions between South Sudan and Kenya.
South Sudan’s government delegation is set to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday to recommence peace negotiations aimed at establishing enduring peace and stability in the nation. These discussions, known as Tumaini—meaning hope in Swahili—have been taking place since last year but were postponed to facilitate more consultations among involved parties.
Kuol Manyang Juuk, the chief negotiator for the government, reaffirmed both sides’ dedication to reaching agreements that promote lasting peace and cohesion in South Sudan. He stressed the necessity for the holdout opposition groups to participate in the peace initiatives.
The South Sudan United Front (SSUF), under the leadership of Paul Malong Awan, has also pledged its commitment to the Tumaini initiative. According to SSUF Spokesperson Garang Malual Deng, the holdout opposition groups are eager to resume discussions to pursue lasting stability and development in their country.
The Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative commenced on May 9, 2024, but encountered challenges when parties expressed concerns regarding proposed negotiation mechanisms. The resumption decision followed a meeting on November 6, 2024, between Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Juba, where they instructed mediation teams to address outstanding matters before finalizing the agreement.
The peace talks were then temporarily adjourned in December 2024 to allow additional consultations among the involved parties.
South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world, has been embroiled in conflict since its independence in 2011. The Tumaini Initiative represents a hope for peace and reconciliation among its fractured political factions. Previous rounds of negotiations have faced setbacks due to disagreements over proposed agreements and implementation strategies, making this resumption a crucial opportunity for all parties to achieve stability and prevent further turmoil in the region.
The resumption of the Tumaini peace talks in Nairobi offers a significant opportunity for South Sudan’s transitional government and opposition factions to work towards a unified and peaceful future. The commitment expressed by both the government and holdout groups is essential in fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and resolution of conflicts. Continued efforts in negotiations may lead to the much-needed stability and development for South Sudan.
Original Source: english.news.cn
