Peace negotiations for South Sudan have resumed in Nairobi, aiming to resolve ongoing conflicts. Led by chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the talks, known as Tumaini, are set to conclude within two weeks following consultations. The process has brought together key stakeholders from various international organizations with the aim of building lasting peace through dialogue and protocol establishment.
On December 5, peace talks aimed at reconciling divisions within South Sudan resumed in Nairobi, Kenya. The discussions involve South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity and various holdout opposition factions. Chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo announced that these negotiations, titled “Tumaini,” which translates to hope in Swahili, are expected to finalize within the next two weeks after the government delegation returned from Juba consultations.
Sumbeiywo expressed gratitude towards the opposition factions and stakeholders for their perseverance during the previous two months and noted the resolve of delegates to seek lasting peace for South Sudan. The mediation includes participants from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, alongside representatives from the European Union, United Nations, and co-mediators from Italy’s Sant’Egidio.
The decision to resume these peace discussions came after a significant meeting on November 6, where Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir underscored the importance of resolving outstanding issues within a two-week timeframe prior to a final agreement. The Tumaini Initiative, which began on May 9, had encountered obstacles earlier in July due to disagreements over proposed negotiation mechanisms.
Since the commencement of talks, stakeholders have diligently sought to assess ongoing issues in South Sudan, despite the earlier agreements signed in 2016 and 2018. By late August, the parties established eight protocols addressing identified discrepancies. Sumbeiywo also highlighted that the parties have been reviewing both the revitalized peace agreement provisions and new initiatives from Tumaini, concentrating on improving peace-building efforts through effective implementation. A notable achievement from the negotiations thus far is the establishment of the Trust and Confidence Building protocol, which has significantly advanced the dialogue process.
The conflict in South Sudan has been protracted, stemming from political and ethnic tensions exacerbated by civil war, resulting in humanitarian crises and widespread instability. Previous agreements aimed at restoring peace have had limited success. The Tumaini Initiative is Kenya’s effort to mediate peace talks, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders. The involvement of international entities, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, EU, and UN, underscores the global commitment to stabilizing the region. The current round of discussions follows notable diplomatic engagements between leaders to ensure that lasting solutions are prioritized.
In summary, the resumption of peace talks in Nairobi represents a critical effort towards addressing ongoing conflicts within South Sudan. The chief mediator’s remarks reflect a momentous commitment from all parties to pursue peace, propelled by international support and previous agreements. As the negotiations progress under the Tumaini Initiative, the hope for a definitive agreement within the stipulated timeline remains crucial for South Sudan’s stability and recovery.
Original Source: english.news.cn
