South Sudan factions to hold peace talks in Kenya

November 13, 2024 (NAIROBI) – South Sudanese government representatives and holdout groups will begin a new round of peace talks in Nairobi on Thursday, sources said.

The talks aim to bring factions that did not sign a 2018 peace agreement into the fold. Participants will include the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Pagan Amum, the South Sudan United Front (SSUF) led by former army chief Paul Malong, and the Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM) led by Stephen Buay.

Diplomatic sources told Sudan Tribune that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) would participate in the process.

Sources said the talks will be in line with the 2018 agreement and not replace it. They added that slow implementation of the deal and a lack of funding could jeopardize the peace process.

Kenyan President William Ruto said last week during a visit to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, that parties had agreed to resume talks in Nairobi.

The 2018 agreement, signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, ended years of war in South Sudan. However, several holdout groups did not sign and have continued fighting the government.