South Sudan’s government will resume peace negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya, to pursue lasting stability. Known as Tumaini, the talks involve ongoing discussions between the transitional government and opposition groups. Both sides express commitment to finding a sustainable resolution, building on recent meetings between their leaders. The initiative reflects a collective aspiration for peace, stability, and development in South Sudan.
The government delegation from South Sudan is scheduled to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday to resume peace negotiations intended to promote enduring peace and stability in South Sudan. These talks, referred to as Tumaini, meaning hope in Swahili, have been in progress since last year but faced delays to accommodate further discussions among the involved parties.
Kuol Manyang Juuk, the chief negotiator representing the South Sudanese government, has underscored both parties’ commitment to reaching an agreement focused on sustainable peace, stability, and national cohesion. “We hope that we will reach an agreement,” Juuk stated in a briefing from Juba, calling for holdout opposition groups to commit to the peace process.
The South Sudan United Front (SSUF), led by Paul Malong Awan as part of the holdout groups, has shown readiness to engage in the Tumaini peace initiative. SSUF spokesperson Garang Malual Deng affirmed the holdout groups’ willingness to continue negotiations, aspiring towards long-lasting peace, stability, and progress in their nation.
Initiated on May 9, 2024, the Tumaini peace talks, led by Kenya, experienced interruptions in July due to concerns from participants regarding specific negotiation mechanisms. The resumption decision resulted from a meeting on November 6, 2024, between Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, where they instructed the mediation team to reconvene and settle outstanding issues promptly before finalizing the agreement.
Ongoing peace negotiations in South Sudan are crucial within the context of the country’s recent history, characterized by conflict and instability since its independence in 2011. The Tumaini initiative reflects the necessity for dialogue and collaboration among various groups to foster national reconciliation. The involvement of neighboring Kenya as a mediator indicates an acknowledgment of regional stakes in South Sudan’s stability and development. The government and opposition groups’ negotiations aim to address longstanding grievances and establish a framework for sustainable peace.
In conclusion, the resumed peace talks in Nairobi mark a significant step towards achieving lasting stability in South Sudan. Both government and opposition representatives have expressed their commitment to finding common ground. The ongoing negotiations, fostering dialogue and addressing the needs of holdout groups, underpin hopes for a peaceful resolution in the world’s youngest nation, facilitating future development and cohesion.
Original Source: english.news.cn
