South Sudan Govt, SSOMA hold first meeting in months, agree on political dalogue

August 14, 2024 (ROME) – In a significant step towards peace in South Sudan, the government and the SSOMA Leadership Council (SSOMA LC) held their first meeting in months, from August 12th to 14th, 2024, in Rome.

The meeting, hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio, was attended by representatives of the Kenyan Government and facilitated by the special envoy of the Government of South Sudan.

The primary focus of the discussions was the Tumaini initiative, an inclusive and open process aimed at achieving a sustainable and just peace settlement in South Sudan.

The parties engaged in open and genuine dialogue, expressing their desire to continue on the path of political negotiations as the only way to resolve the country’s political crisis and promote healing among the South Sudanese people.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of addressing their divergent positions through political compromise and consultation. The mediation teams expressed their readiness to receive proposals from the SSOMA LC for the benefit of all South Sudanese people.

This meeting marks a crucial development in the peace process in South Sudan. It demonstrates a renewed commitment from both the government and the SSOMA LC to engage in dialogue and seek a political solution to the conflict. While challenges remain, the willingness of both parties to come together and discuss their differences is a positive sign for the future of the country.

The international community has welcomed the resumption of talks between the two sides. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) called the meeting a “significant step forward” and urged both parties to continue their engagement in good faith.

The people of South Sudan have endured years of conflict and suffering. The resumption of talks between the government and the SSOMA LC offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.