Kenya’s president engages South Sudan opposition to resolve deadlock
August 6, 2024 (JUBA) — Kenyan President William Ruto held discussions with South Sudanese opposition leaders on Tuesday, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
A statement from President Ruto indicated he had received an update on the Tumaini Mediation Consensus from Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo, Gen. Pagan Amum Okiech, Gen. Paul Malong Awan, Gen. Mario Loku Thomas Jada, and Lual Dau. President Ruto expressed hope for a peaceful and stable South Sudan playing a significant role in African affairs.
“Kenya looks forward to the people of South Sudan living in a peaceful, secure, and thriving society. The Tumaini Initiative has made significant progress under the leadership and patriotism of all parties involved. We commend them for making difficult decisions for the betterment of the country,” said President Ruto in a statement.
The South Sudan opposition alliance confirmed the meeting with President Ruto, reiterating their commitment to the mediation process aimed at ending conflict and political instability in South Sudan.
The Tumaini Initiative, a high-level mediation effort for South Sudan, has united various parties and groups, ensuring an inclusive and home-grown process modelled on the Pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges. It aligns with the ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’ initiative, fostering an environment conducive to transformational development in South Sudan and across the continent.
Lual Dau, the spokesman for the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA), highlighted ongoing consultations among opposition groups, the government, civil society, and other stakeholders. The Tumaini Initiative aims to achieve “lasting and inclusive peace.”
The peace talks, which commenced in Nairobi on May 9, 2024, were expected to conclude in August. However, representatives of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar walked out, protesting the initiative’s mandate. Machar contended that the eight protocols signed in July could undermine the 2018 peace agreement.
The Revitalized Agreement, signed between President Salva Kiir’s SPLM, SPLM-IO, and other political factions, was not accepted by all groups. The National Salvation Front, led by General Thomas Cirillo, declined to sign, citing unresolved root causes of the conflict.
The Kenya-led process aims to include groups excluded from the revitalized peace agreement. Dau expressed optimism that SPLM-IO delegates would rejoin the Nairobi peace talks, highlighting ongoing engagement with all stakeholders.
He stressed the importance of unity in achieving peace and development. “Before the SPLM-IO delegation’s withdrawal, we had addressed almost all issues except power-sharing. We focused on the implementation matrix to ensure the Tumaini consensus would be distinct from previous agreements, with a clear and proper timeline,” said Dau.
(ST)