President of South Sudan H.E. Salva Kiir receiving an update from the Tumaini Peace Initiative Mediation team
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has commended the ongoing Kenyan-led peace efforts for their significant efforts towards restoring peace and stability in South Sudan. This comes at a time when the region continues to confront the ramifications of protracted conflicts that have had a profound effect on the country’s socio-economic landscape. President Kiir made these remarks while attending the endorsement of former Kenyan Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga a candidate for the African Union Commission Chairperson. H.E Kiir underscored the importance of peace and stability in the promotion of economic recovery and development in South Sudan and the broader region.
President Kiir used the opportunity to interact with stakeholders who participating in the Tumaini peace process. He held discussions with representatives from the government, opposition, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups.
General Lazarus Sumbeiywo, Chief Mediator of the peace talks, described President Kiir’s involvement as a “historically significant gesture” that invigorated the peace process. He emphasized that the negotiations must be guided by a collective commitment to peace and national unity. These sentiments were echoed by Lual Deng Marach,spokesman for the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, who underscored that; “President Kiir’s decision to meet and hold talks with opposition leaders and civil society representatives underscores his strong interest in promoting peace above all else. This action inspires optimism for a new era of stability and prosperity in South Sudan.”
President Kiir committed to assuming additional responsibility for meetings with the signatories of the peace agreement in Juba as the peace process continues. This commitment signals renewed push to surmount the challenges the youngest nation in Africa is currently encountering and to establish a prosperous and tranquil future.
The Tumaini initiative has so far concluded negotiations on nine protocols, the majority of which aim to resolve perennial conflicts while also establishing stable institutions to protect the people of South Sudan. The Civil Society of Kenya issued a statement on September 2, 2024, in which they expressed their unwavering support for the Tumaini Initiative and commended President Kiir’s leadership. The statement, endorsed by representatives and leaders of a various civil society organizations (CSOs), acknowledged the initiative’s significance in the restoration of peace, stability and hope in South Sudan.
“We commend the leadership of President Salva Kiir for initiating this peace process, and we applaud the South Sudan Opposition leaders for agreeing to pursue peace through negotiations,” read part of the statement. “We also acknowledge the significant contribution made by Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, in hosting and facilitating this process. We urge him to continue his support and extend an invitation to the international community to collaborate in the pursuit of the Tumaini Initiative’s success,” the statement continued.
The significance of this peace process was underscored by Kenyan civil society representatives, who recalled Kenya’s historical role in South Sudan’s journey toward independence including the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and subsequent mediation efforts that culminated in the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The Kenyan Civil Society maintains optimistic and urges all South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the needs of their people and make the requisite compromises and sacrifices for sustainable peace. “We urge South Sudanese leaders, whether in government or opposition, to genuinely address the needs of their citizens and wholly support the peace talks”, the civil society representatives noted.
The Kenyan Civil Society pledged to share extended its support to their South Sudanese counterparts, acknowledging their dedication to peace, despite the risks involved. They have committed to sharing their experiences and expertise in negotiations, constitution-making, and democratic governance as the young nation continues its journey of state and nation-building.
The success of the Tumaini peace process is signified in the aspirations of millions of South Sudanese. it is the renewed sense of optimism that South Sudan can establish a tranquil political settlement and begin a new era of prosperity with the assistance of regional and international organizations.