President William Ruto emphasizes dialogue for peace in South Sudan, advocating a ceasefire and discussing urgency with leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. The ongoing conflict, stemming from a 2013 civil war, persists despite previous agreements. Recent peace talks under the Tumaini Initiative have reignited efforts to stabilize the nation.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his dedication to promoting peace in South Sudan by advocating for dialogue as the optimal solution to restore security. He has been actively calling for a ceasefire, utilizing his position as the chairman of the East African Community to encourage opposing parties to prioritize the nation’s well-being above their differences.
On Thursday, President Ruto communicated with both President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar regarding the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan. He emphasized the necessity of dialogue to cultivate peace and mentioned ongoing regional consultations aimed at finding a viable path forward in the conflict resolution process.
Civil conflict erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, stemming from political disputes within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army. The violence, compounded by historical ethnic tensions, has led to widespread civilian displacement as government and opposition forces clash. Despite multiple peace attempts and ceasefire agreements in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2024, instability continues to plague the region.
The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed in June 2018, established a ceasefire and a unity government; however, the slow implementation of this agreement has allowed violence to persist. Recently, peace talks under the “Tumaini Initiative” resumed in late November 2024 following a three-month pause, now involving key holdout groups that did not sign the 2018 Juba Agreement.
The armed groups that have recently joined the initiative include the Sudan Liberation Army Movement, the Arko Minawi wing, the Justice and Equality Movement, and Malik Aqar’s wing, among others. The Nairobi Tumaini Initiative is aimed at enhancing IGAD’s efforts to support the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, solidifying progress towards peace in South Sudan.
In conclusion, President William Ruto continues to play a crucial role in advocating for peace in South Sudan. His efforts emphasize dialogue as a vital strategy for resolving ongoing conflicts. Despite repeated setbacks and the persistence of violence, recent initiatives, such as the Tumaini Initiative, offer hope for future stabilization, as various armed groups come together to work toward peace.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
