South Sudan’s government delegation is set to resume peace negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the nation. The Tumaini talks, which began in May 2024, faced adjournments but reflect a commitment from both the transitional government and opposition groups. Key negotiator Kuol Manyang Juuk emphasized the need for unity in achieving durable peace during a briefing in Juba.
The government delegation of South Sudan is slated to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday to advance peace negotiations aimed at securing lasting stability in South Sudan. The discussions, known as Tumaini—meaning hope in Swahili—have been ongoing since last year and were temporarily halted to facilitate additional consultations among the parties involved.
Kuol Manyang Juuk, the chief negotiator for the South Sudanese government, reaffirmed both parties’ dedication to achieving durable peace and stability in the nation. During a briefing in Juba, he expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, urging holdout opposition groups to participate actively in the peace process.
The South Sudan United Front (SSUF), led by Paul Malong Awan, has reiterated its support for the Tumaini peace initiative. SSUF spokesperson Garang Malual Deng conveyed the readiness of the holdout groups to re-engage in talks, with aspirations for lasting peace, stability, and development in the region.
The Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative commenced on May 9, 2024, but encountered challenges in July when some parties raised concerns regarding the proposed mechanisms within the negotiations. The decision to reconvene followed a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, emphasizing the urgency to resolve outstanding issues before finalizing the peace agreement.
The negotiations were postponed in December 2024 to allow for continued discussions, highlighting the commitment of both sides to ensure a comprehensive and effective resolution to the ongoing conflict.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has been embroiled in conflict since its independence in 2011. Efforts to achieve a sustainable peace have been ongoing through various initiatives, including the Tumaini talks, which seek to bring together the transitional government and holdout opposition groups. The peace process aims to address the root causes of conflict, ensure national cohesion, and foster developmental progress in the nation. Previous rounds of negotiations faced setbacks due to disagreements on specific terms, necessitating further dialogue and consensus-building.
The upcoming resumption of peace talks in Nairobi represents a renewed commitment from both the South Sudanese government and the opposition to seek a resolution to the ongoing crisis. With the Tumaini initiative aimed at fostering durable peace and stability, the involvement of all parties, especially the holdout groups, will be crucial in achieving a successful outcome. The support demonstrated by various stakeholders in the negotiations underlines the importance of collaborative efforts toward national cohesion in South Sudan.
Original Source: english.news.cn
