Ruto Advocates for Dialogue to Resolve South Sudan Conflict

President William Ruto advocates for dialogue to resolve the South Sudan conflict, emphasizing peace talks among leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. Despite past attempts at peace, violence persists, compounded by ethnic tensions. The Tumaini Initiative aims to integrate holdout factions while supporting implementation of prior agreements.

President William Ruto has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering regional peace initiatives in South Sudan by advocating for dialogue as a critical solution to the ongoing conflict. As the chairman of the East African Community, he has persistently called for a ceasefire and encouraged the conflicting parties to set aside their differences for the betterment of the nation.

On Thursday, President Ruto engaged in discussions with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar concerning the deteriorating security conditions in South Sudan. Ruto emphasized the necessity for both leaders to engage in dialogue to promote peace while noting that regional consultations are in progress to determine an effective path forward.

Since December 2013, South Sudan has faced civil war triggered by internal conflict within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). The resulting violence, exacerbated by long-standing ethnic tensions, has led to significant civilian displacement amidst persistent hostilities between government and opposition forces.

Numerous peace agreements and ceasefire efforts have taken place since the onset of the conflict, notably in 2015, 2017, 2018, and most recently in 2024. The June 2018 Revitalized Agreement aimed to establish a ceasefire and form a unity government; however, progress remains slow, and violence continues.

Following a three-month hiatus, peace negotiations under the “Tumaini Initiative” resumed in late November 2024. This effort, brokered by Kenya, seeks to integrate major factions that did not sign the 2018 Juba Agreement, including the Sudan Liberation Army Movement, the Arko Minawi wing, and the Justice and Equality Movement, among others. The Nairobi Tumaini Initiative aligns with IGAD’s objectives to support the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.

In conclusion, President William Ruto’s commitment to fostering peace in South Sudan underscores the importance of dialogue amidst ongoing conflict. His recent discussions with key leaders highlight the urgency of addressing the escalating security crisis and the necessity for collaborative efforts to achieve a durable resolution. The resumption of peace talks through the Nairobi Tumaini Initiative marks a significant step toward reconciling various factions and restoring stability in the region.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke