South Sudanese factions will enter new peace talks in Nairobi on Thursday, focusing on integrating holdout groups into the 2018 peace agreement. Participants include key leaders from the National Salvation Front, South Sudan United Front, and Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. The talks, supported by IGAD, aim to address implementation challenges while emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue. Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed consensus for the talks during his recent visit to Juba.
Representatives from the South Sudanese government and various holdout factions are set to commence a new series of peace negotiations in Nairobi, commencing this Thursday. These discussions are designed to integrate groups that have refused to sign the 2018 peace agreement. Key participants will include Pagan Amum’s National Salvation Front (NAS), former army chief Paul Malong’s South Sudan United Front (SSUF), and Stephen Buay’s Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM). Diplomatic insiders have indicated that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will be involved in this process. The current talks aim to align with the framework established by the 2018 agreement rather than to supplant it. However, concerns regarding the slow implementation of the original deal coupled with funding shortages pose significant risks to the peace process. Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed last week, during a visit to Juba, that the involved parties reached consensus on resuming talks in Nairobi.
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has complicated the country’s political landscape, leading to multiple armed groups emerging since the country gained independence in 2011. The landmark peace agreement in 2018, signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, sought to end years of warfare. Despite this, several factions did not endorse the agreement and have continued hostilities. The need for inclusive dialogue with all factions remains critical to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. With the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s involvement, the current efforts aim to facilitate a political resolution that reconciles various interests and paves the way for comprehensive implementation of previously agreed-upon terms.
In summary, the upcoming peace talks in Nairobi represent a critical opportunity for South Sudanese factions to engage in dialogue aimed at fostering national unity and securing lasting peace. The participation of holdout groups in these discussions highlights the necessity of inclusivity in the peace process. However, challenges such as slow implementation and inadequate funding remain obstacles that must be addressed to ensure the success of these negotiations.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
