The South Sudan high-level mediation talks are set to finalize a peace agreement in November after completing nine protocols addressing key issues. Chief mediator Lt-Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo reported that all but one negotiation regarding Responsibility Sharing is nearly done. Despite progress, concerns remain regarding government reluctance to integrate hold-out groups and the legitimacy of the Tumaini Initiative. Amidst these developments, citizens hope for an inclusive dialogue that engages them in the peace process.
The South Sudan high-level mediation talks, known as the hold-out groups discussions, are set to reach a significant milestone with the anticipated signing of a final peace agreement in November. This development follows the completion of nine protocols addressing critical agenda items related to the ongoing peace process. The chief mediator, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo, confirmed in an interview with The EastAfrican that negotiations for all protocols, excluding one regarding Responsibility Sharing, are nearing completion. He emphasized the importance of consultation among delegate members during the mediation process, which is a common practice aimed at aligning various parties within the Transitional Government of National Unity. The Tumaini Initiative, which involves negotiations between the coalition government led by President Salva Kiir and factions that previously abstained from signing the 2018 peace agreement, has faced challenges. These include apprehensions from members of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (Ssoma) concerning prolonged discussions from the government’s side. Reports suggest reluctance within the government, particularly among security officials, to integrate the hold-out groups into the coalition, fearing a potential loss of political significance. Recent leadership changes, such as the dismissal of Gen Akol Koor Kuc, the head of the National Security Services, have further complicated the environment of the talks, although the specific motivations behind this decision remain ambiguous. Additionally, concerns have been raised by Dr. Riek Machar, a prominent coalition figure, about certain protocols undermining the original objectives of the 2018 peace agreement. The protocols discussed encompass various key areas including confidence-building measures, land issues, justice sector reforms, security sector reform, a permanent constitutional process, economic recovery, and humanitarian access. Meanwhile, members of Ssoma argue that these protocols are essential for mitigating permanent conflicts within the country. The youth representative at the Tumaini Initiative, Patrick Godi, expressed optimism that unresolved issues concerning economic recovery and reform would soon be addressed. While the current negotiations may seem stagnant, Pagan Amum, leader of the Real SPLM, asserted that the talks are awaiting the government’s return to the negotiating table. In the broader context, analysts have cautioned that if the Tumaini Initiative operates independently of the established peace frameworks, its legitimacy may be called into question. As South Sudan navigates through this intricate political landscape, citizens hope that the negotiations will prioritize inclusive dialogue reflecting their interests, rather than merely accommodating political elites. The transitional government has recently postponed elections scheduled for December, extending its mandate for an additional two years, despite criticisms from international donors regarding this decision.
This article centers around the ongoing peace negotiations in South Sudan, specifically those involving various opposition groups and the transitional government following the long-standing civil conflict in the region. The Tumaini Initiative represents a significant effort in this context, aimed at reconciling disparate factions within the country. Lt-Gen Lazarus Sumbeiywo, an experienced mediator, is leading the talks designed to culminate in a binding agreement that addresses relevant political, security, and social issues. The history of conflict in South Sudan and the previous 2018 peace agreement serve as critical backdrops to the discussions. The article also highlights the challenges faced by these negotiations, including divisions within the government and concerns regarding the legitimacy of the peace processes.
In conclusion, the upcoming signing of the peace agreement among South Sudan’s hold-out groups marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s peace process. However, continued tensions within the government, concerns over the roles of opposition factions, and the need for inclusive dialogue present significant hurdles that must be navigated. The successful implementation of the nine protocols could pave the way for lasting stability, yet it remains crucial that the wider implications of the Tumaini Initiative are carefully considered within the broader peace framework.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
