UNMISS has welcomed the restart of peace negotiations in Kenya between the South Sudan government and opposition groups under the Tumaini Initiative, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the urgent need for a successful conclusion to establish lasting peace.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed its support for the renewed peace talks in Kenya, aimed at establishing dialogue between South Sudan’s government and opposition factions. During the opening of the Tumaini Initiative, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs, Guang Cong, lauded the leadership of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Kenyan President William Ruto for their efforts in restarting negotiations.
Guang highlighted the significance of these discussions for the South Sudanese populace, emphasizing the importance of concluding the talks promptly. He appreciated the dedication shown by the Secretariat and all participants during the past seven months, reaffirming their commitment to achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan.
Moreover, he commended the South Sudanese delegations for approaching the talks with openness, which he deemed crucial for their success. Guang stressed that building regional and international confidence in the Tumaini Initiative necessitates observable progress from all participants. He encouraged the involvement of diverse societal voices, including those of civil society, women, youth, and religious leaders, in shaping the Tumaini Consensus document, to ensure inclusivity and effective governance moving forward.
Furthermore, he reiterated UNMISS and the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to supporting efforts towards establishing durable peace in South Sudan.
The Tumaini Initiative represents an effort to foster dialogue between the South Sudan government and opposition groups, addressing the ongoing conflict that has affected the region. With the resumption of these talks, there is a concerted effort from both regional and international bodies to encourage peaceful resolutions and consensus-building among diverse groups within South Sudan. The inclusion of various societal perspectives is essential for achieving a comprehensive peace agreement that reflects and meets the needs of all South Sudanese citizens, particularly those who have been marginalized in previous discussions.
The resumption of peace talks in Kenya, facilitated by UNMISS, marks a significant step towards achieving lasting peace in South Sudan. By fostering an environment of openness and inclusivity, the initiative seeks to address the diverse voices within society, ensuring that the interests of all groups are represented. UNMISS’s commitment to support these efforts underscores the importance of collaborative engagement in pursuing durable peace and good governance in South Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
