Kenya will resume mediation talks for South Sudan in January 2025 as part of the HOPE Initiative, following setbacks relating to the 2018 peace agreement. The discussions aim for broader inclusivity among government and opposition members. Key leaders highlight the importance of power-sharing and constitutional processes, amidst ongoing challenges faced in achieving lasting peace in the region.
The Kenyan Government is poised to recommence high-level mediation talks for South Sudan in January 2025, as part of the HOPE Initiative, which aims to secure enduring peace in the nation. Beginning in May 2024, these peace talks encountered difficulties in July due to issues regarding alignment with South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement. However, following discussions between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Kenyan President William Ruto on November 6, an agreement was reached to resume the mediation efforts.
The initiative, titled “Tumaini,” meaning “hope” in Swahili, addresses the needs of both the South Sudanese government and opposition parties that were not involved in the 2018 peace agreement, which concluded a five-year civil conflict that resulted in the loss of over 400,000 lives. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Nairobi mid-January 2025, after a brief adjournment requested by the South Sudanese delegation for consultations in Juba. Port Cultural, Deputy Head of the South Sudan Peace Initiative, assured that this break was intentional, signifying a strategic pause aimed at promoting wider participation in the peace dialogue.
Lual Dao, Secretary-General of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, emphasized the necessity of power-sharing in the talks, stating that “Restructuring the government is critical for achieving true peace.” Additionally, Pagan Amum, leader of the Real Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, noted the advancements made so far, indicating that an agreement on the constitutional process has been formulated, which includes plans for a consultative conference in Nairobi to engage South Sudanese citizens both locally and abroad.
Despite facing challenges such as postponed elections and financial obstacles, the Kenyan-led mediation efforts remain essential to South Sudan’s stability. The forthcoming discussions in January 2025 hold significant potential for addressing the entrenched political and security issues in South Sudan, thus bringing renewed optimism for lasting peace in the region.
The upcoming high-level mediation talks for South Sudan are a crucial continuation of efforts initiated in May 2024 to stabilize the nation following years of conflict. South Sudan has been mired in political unrest since the 2013 civil war, which resulted in extensive loss of life and led to the establishment of a 2018 peace agreement that was meant to resolve these disputes. However, key elements of that agreement have not been fully realized, prompting the Kenyan Government to take a proactive role in facilitating dialogue among all stakeholders, including those excluded from previous peace negotiations.
In summary, the resumption of high-level mediation talks by the Kenyan Government in January 2025 represents a fundamental step toward achieving peace in South Sudan. With focus on inclusivity and power-sharing, the talks aim to address the historical grievances that have impeded stable governance. As leaders from various factions express optimism about the progress made, the eyes of the international community will be on Nairobi to witness the developments of these pivotal discussions. The continuation of this dialogue under the HOPE Initiative is paramount for the region’s future stability and peace.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
