President William Ruto has called for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders to address the ongoing conflict and restore peace, emphasizing regional cooperation through the Nairobi Tumaini Initiative and previous agreements.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his dedication to advancing regional peace initiatives, advocating dialogue as the optimal solution for restoring security in South Sudan. As the chairman of the East African Community, he has urged conflicting parties to prioritize national unity, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in this troubled nation.
On Thursday, President Ruto communicated with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar regarding the deteriorating security situation. He called upon both leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to promote peace in South Sudan while outlining that regional consultations are underway to identify the most effective path forward for the country.
South Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since December 2013, stemming from political disagreements within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). This conflict has been exacerbated by historical ethnic tensions, resulting in widespread civilian displacement. Despite numerous peace agreements and cease-fires initiated in 2015, 2017, 2018, and official talks resuming in 2024, the instability has endured.
The June 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan yielded a ceasefire and the establishment of a unity government; however, its implementation has been sluggish, allowing violence to continue. Recently, the Kenyan-brokered peace talks, termed the “Tumaini Initiative,” resumed in late November 2024, engaging previously unrecognized holdout groups that had not signed the 2018 Juba Agreement.
Among the factions that have signed onto the Tumaini Initiative are the Sudan Liberation Army Movement, the Arko Minawi wing, the Justice and Equality Movement, and Malik Aqar’s faction, among others. This new initiative works in tandem with IGAD’s commitment to ensure effective execution of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
In summary, President William Ruto’s proactive engagement in the South Sudan conflict highlights the critical need for dialogue and cooperation among leaders. His discussions with both President Kiir and Vice President Machar emphasize the regional community’s unified effort to promote peace and stability. Despite multiple prior attempts to resolve the ongoing conflict, the recent Nairobi Tumaini Initiative offers renewed hope by including additional armed groups to foster a comprehensive resolution.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
