Kenya-led South Sudan peace talks set signing date
September 6, 2024 (JUBA) – The Kenyan-led mediation effort to bring peace to South Sudan has announced a timetable, with parties and stakeholders expected to sign the Tumaini consensus on September 16th in Nairobi.
The timetable, seen by Reuters, outlines a series of events leading up to the signing. President Salva Kiir and Kenyan President William Ruto will attend the China-Africa forum from September 1st to 8th, using the opportunity to promote the Tumaini initiative to regional leaders.
A delegation from the parties and stakeholders will travel to Juba on September 6th for a trust-building mission. September 9th and 10th are reserved for the initialling of all nine protocols and the implementation matrix.
Focus on Tumaini Initiative
The transitional government in South Sudan has prioritized the Tumaini Initiative as the primary means to overcome current challenges and address underlying issues in the country. The initiative aims to provide leadership and a unified policy direction for critical matters such as the permanent constitution and elections, ensuring a smooth transition beyond the extended transitional period.
Both President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar have expressed their commitment to the Tumaini Initiative, resolving differences within their constituent parties to foster an inclusive peace process.
Building trust and confidence
Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of opposition groups joining the Tumaini Initiative. To build trust and confidence, the transitional government has pledged to release political detainees, lift restrictions on freedom of movement, and review the National Security Service Act to ensure its consistency with the constitution.
The government has also assured mediators that it will address the deteriorating economic situation through reforms focused on public financial management, transparency, and accountability.
Kenyan civil society shows support
In a show of solidarity, Kenyan civil society organizations held a press conference in Nairobi on September 2nd to express their support for the Tumaini Initiative. They called on South Sudanese leaders to commit to the process and urged President Ruto to continue his support.
The event garnered significant media attention in both Kenya and South Sudan, highlighting the importance of the peace process.
The stakeholders involved in the Tumaini Initiative aim to provide regular and transparent updates to the public to ensure accurate information and prevent misinformation.