South Sudan Peace Talks Resume Following Political Dismissals and Stalemates
After a four-month hiatus, South Sudan’s peace talks resumed in Kenya with new government delegates participating. These discussions aim to address conflicts with opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement. Official reasons for the previous delegation’s dismissal and travel issues remain unclear. The current negotiations face challenges due to economic instability and postponed elections, yet leaders stress the urgency of adhering to prior commitments to avoid further national disintegration.
The peace talks in South Sudan resumed in Kenya on Wednesday after a hiatus of four months marked by political upheaval, including the sacking of the previous government delegation. These negotiations are aimed at resolving ongoing conflict and fostering stability within South Sudan’s struggling economy. The new discussions, titled “Tumaini,” which translates to “hope” in Swahili, involve negotiations between the government and opposition factions that did not participate in the 2018 peace accord that ended a brutal civil war claiming over 400,000 lives.
The talks initially began in May, leading to a commitment for peace; however, they faltered following President Salva Kiir’s dismissal of the original delegation. Although a replacement team was appointed, they encountered difficulties traveling to Nairobi on two occasions, with no official reason provided for these travel setbacks. Last month, President Kiir clarified that the current talks are not intended to supersede the 2018 agreement but to incorporate the concerns of non-signatory groups.
Complicating the situation, South Sudan has deferred its elections, originally set for December 2024, pushing them back to 2026 due to issues with voter registration, which is currently hindered by fiscal constraints amid an ongoing economic crisis. Additionally, oil exports—which are crucial for revenue—are being disrupted by a damaged pipeline in Sudan, where conflict reigns.
During the ongoing discussions, both parties have raised objections to a newly enacted law allowing detentions without warrants, citing violations of human rights. Chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiyo has called for a resolution to outstanding issues, while Pagan Amum, leader of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, emphasized the urgency of adhering to previously established agreements.
“This is not a time to renegotiate what we have already agreed upon— it is important to remember that this is probably the last chance to rescue our country from total disintegration and chaos,” stated Mr. Amum. Kuol Manyang Juuk, representing the government, urged all sides to set aside differences, reaffirming the need to build upon prior achievements rather than starting anew.
The ongoing peace talks in South Sudan are pivotal in addressing the nation’s prolonged conflict that has devastated its socio-economic dynamics. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced consistent struggles, including a civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, leading to massive loss of life and displacement. Following the 2018 peace agreement, political instability remained prevalent, with unresolved issues prompting the current negotiations aimed at fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive peace process to reconcile various factions within the political landscape.
The resumption of peace talks in South Sudan represents a critical opportunity for the nation to address past grievances and work towards unity and stability. Despite facing internal challenges, including political dismissals and economic hardship, the imperative for a cohesive dialogue remains evident. The leaders involved must prioritize adherence to agreements already made, as failure to resolve conflicts could lead to further deterioration of the country’s already fragile condition.
Original Source: apnews.com
