The UNMISS has applauded the restart of peace talks in Kenya intended to reconcile South Sudan’s government and opposition groups. UNMISS officials emphasized the importance of open dialogue, inclusivity of various perspectives, and the urgency of achieving a lasting peace in South Sudan for the benefit of its citizens.
On December 5, 2023, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed its support for the resumption of peace negotiations led by Kenya, aimed at reconciling the Juba government and various opposition factions. During the opening of the Tumaini Initiative, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative-Political, Guang Cong, commended the leadership roles of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Kenya’s President William Ruto in revitalizing these crucial discussions. Guang emphasized the importance of expediting the peace talks to align with the long-held aspirations of the South Sudanese population.
Further, Guang acknowledged the dedication shown by participants throughout the seven-month hiatus from negotiations, underscoring the need for an open and collaborative spirit to drive the talks towards a successful outcome. He highlighted that regional and international support for the Tumaini Initiative relies heavily on visible progress from all involved parties. Guang also pointed out the urgent desire among South Sudanese citizens for the benefits of peace, reinforcing that reaching a satisfactory conclusion is essential for their welfare.
The UNMISS representative encouraged the inclusion of diverse voices in the Tumaini process. He asserted that for sustainable peace and effective governance, it is necessary to incorporate perspectives from civil society, women, youth, individuals with disabilities, traditional leaders, and faith-based organizations into the Tumaini Consensus document. Guang reiterated the unwavering commitment of UNMISS and the United Nations to aid these ongoing peace endeavors, emphasizing their critical importance to the future of South Sudan.
The Tumaini Initiative represents a significant effort to foster peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, a nation plagued by protracted conflict since its independence in 2011. This initiative, mediated by Kenya, aims to bring together the government and opposition groups, facilitating discussions aimed at addressing the underlying issues leading to instability. Previous negotiations have faced numerous challenges, leading to pauses and a call for renewed commitment from all stakeholders, including regional and international supporters, to secure a lasting resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, the resumption of the Kenya-led peace talks, as welcomed by UNMISS, signifies a hopeful step towards achieving lasting peace in South Sudan. The commitment shown by President Kiir, President Ruto, and all delegates to engage in open dialogue underscores the collective desire for a resolution that addresses the needs of the South Sudanese people. Enhancing inclusivity by integrating diverse voices into the negotiation framework will be vital in achieving durable peace and good governance in the region.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
