South Sudan’s Peace Talks Resume in Kenya to Foster Stability
The South Sudan government delegation is set to continue peace negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at establishing lasting stability in the country. The Tumaini talks, which began last year, faced delays but were resumed following a meeting between the leaders of South Sudan and Kenya. Both government and opposition representatives express commitment to achieving a comprehensive agreement that promotes peace and development.
South Sudan’s government delegation is set to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday to continue peace negotiations aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the nation. Dubbed the Tumaini peace talks, which translates to “hope” in Swahili, the discussions had been underway since last year but were temporarily postponed to facilitate further consultations among the involved parties.
Kuol Manyang Juuk, the chief negotiator for the government, expressed optimism regarding the negotiations, emphasizing both parties’ commitment to achieving durable peace and cohesion in South Sudan. He highlighted the importance of the holdout opposition groups joining the peace efforts, stating, “We hope that we will reach an agreement,” during a briefing in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The South Sudan United Front (SSUF), a faction led by Paul Malong Awan, has affirmed its dedication to the Tumaini peace initiative. SSUF Spokesperson Garang Malual Deng confirmed that the holdout opposition groups are prepared to resume negotiations with the aim of securing lasting peace, stability, and development in South Sudan.
The Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative started on May 9, 2024, but faced challenges in July when concerns arose regarding specific proposed mechanisms in the discussions. Following a meeting on November 6, 2024, between Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Juba, the decision was made to reconvene the mediation team to resolve outstanding issues within two weeks before finalizing the agreement.
The talks, which resumed after a break in December 2024, continue to be a crucial effort toward achieving a peaceful resolution in South Sudan, underscoring the commitment of all parties involved in the quest for stability and progress in the youngest nation in the world.
The peace talks in South Sudan follow years of conflict and instability that have plagued the nation since its independence in 2011. The Tumaini initiative aims to bring together the transitional government and holdout opposition groups to reach an agreement that promotes unity, development, and lasting peace. This effort is being spearheaded by Kenya, which has taken a mediating role in the negotiations. Ensuring the participation of all factions is crucial for the success of the peace process and the future stability of South Sudan.
The upcoming resumption of the Tumaini peace talks in Nairobi highlights the ongoing efforts to solidify peace and stability in South Sudan. With key representatives from the government and opposition expressing commitment to the negotiations, there is cautious optimism for a breakthrough. As the parties work to resolve outstanding issues, the international community remains hopeful for a successful outcome that promotes sustainable development and unity in the youngest nation.
Original Source: english.news.cn
