South Sudan negotiation team expects deal in short time

June 18, 2024 (JUBA) – A member of South Sudan government negotiating team has expressed optimism on the ongoing talks with the holdout opposition groups in Kenya, hinting that a deal could be reached in the coming days.

South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Leuth made the remarks while appearing on the state-owned South Sudan television (SSBC) on Monday.

“Today (Monday) we received zero draft from the mediation and we have worked on that document and the opposition has worked on that document as well.  This is a positive development and We are optimistic that the agreement will be reached within shortest possible period”, he explained.

Makuei said the United States ambassador to South Sudan was at the venue of talks, a sign Washington is interested in the negotiations with the hold-out groups.

For year, the United States administration has long been sceptical of all the initiative undertaken by South Sudanese politicians and leaders, preferring them to lead the process instead of partaking in the process which are usually not implemented even if they are signed with a pledge of assurance of commitment.

The minister said while in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the US envoy met with different groups, including members of the mediation team, government representatives, members of the opposition, faith-based groups and members of the civil society organizations, media, and other actors in the peace process.

“Today [Monday] met his excellency the ambassador of the United States to South Sudan. He came to us on a visit and get briefed on the process which we are making in terms of discussion on the agreement. we briefed and he promised that the American government will be ready to give any support in case they see any progress happening in time”, stressed Makuei.

He added, “So, the visit was welcomed, cordial and we appreciate his visit”.

Chaired by the Kenyan mediator, Major-Gen (rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the talks are between President Salva Kiir’s government and rebel opposition groups that were not part of the September 2018 peace agreement which ended a five-year civil war.

The high-level mediation process is dubbed “Tumaini”, [meaning hope in Swahili].

(ST)