South Sudan’s peace talks resumed in Nairobi on December 5, 2023, aiming to resolve key issues before a final agreement is signed. Mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo acknowledged the parties’ resilience as they work towards sustainable peace amid ongoing challenges. The initiative, supported by international bodies, seeks to enhance peacebuilding processes following previous agreements that have faced implementation difficulties.
On December 5, 2023, peace negotiations resumed in Nairobi between the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan and holdout opposition factions. This development was confirmed by Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the chief mediator overseeing the talks, which are referred to as “Tumaini,” meaning “hope” in Swahili. The discussions are anticipated to conclude within two weeks, following the government delegation’s consultations in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Sumbeiywo expressed gratitude towards the opposition groups and stakeholders for their patience throughout the past two months, highlighting their commitment to peace. The mediation efforts involve collaboration with representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and international envoys from bodies such as the European Union and the United Nations. This resumption follows a directive from Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Salva Kiir of South Sudan, who convened on November 6 to hasten the resolution of outstanding issues prior to a final peace agreement.
Since the commencement of the Tumaini initiative talks on May 9, the process encountered challenges, especially regarding certain proposed mechanisms. Nevertheless, the parties have dedicated extensive efforts to address persistent issues in South Sudan, which stem from previous agreements made in 2016 and 2018. By the end of August, the negotiation teams had crafted eight protocols aimed at reconciling the differing perspectives. Sumbeiywo emphasized the inclusion of ongoing issues from the revitalized peace agreement alongside new protocols from the Tumaini Initiative designed to enhance peacebuilding.
The peace talks in South Sudan are a critical component of efforts to stabilize the nation, which has faced ongoing conflict since its independence in 2011. Previous agreements, namely the 2016 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict and the revitalized agreement of 2018, attempted to address the political strife but have seen limited implementation. The Tumaini Initiative represents a renewed effort led by Kenya to foster dialogue and resolution among conflicting parties, bringing together local stakeholders and international partners in pursuit of lasting peace in the region. The involvement of notable international organizations indicates a collaborative approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in South Sudan.
The resumption of peace talks in Nairobi marks a significant step toward addressing the protracted conflict in South Sudan. The commitment displayed by various stakeholders, along with support from international mediators, underscores the critical importance of dialogue in achieving lasting peace. As the negotiations are set to conclude in the coming weeks, the emphasis remains on creating a practical framework for successful peace implementation, reflecting the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for stability and security.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
