As discussions begin, Kenya demands a lasting peace in South Sudan

On Thursday, South Sudan’s peace process’s participants began mediation discussions led by Kenyan President William Ruto, who urged them to make a firm commitment to establishing a lasting peace.

Lazurus Sumbeiywo, a former commander of the Kenya Army, spearheaded the peace negotiations known as the Tumaini Initiative. Sumbeiywo was also the mediator of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which cleared the path for South Sudan’s independence.

The mediation process is eager to put an end to bloodshed and political instability in South Sudan, according to Ruto, who opened the negotiations in Nairobi, since it is inclusive and domestic.

“This initiative exemplifies the pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative’ and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region, and the entire African continent,” the president said in a statement.

The South Sudan United Front, the Real-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and the Transitional Government of National Unity have all made headway in the mediation process, according to the president of Kenya.

According to Ruto, Kenya is prepared to assist in putting an end to the violence and instability cycle in Sudan so that its people can enjoy the peace and prosperity they have long sought.

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, along with presidents of several neighboring countries—South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, Malawi’s Lazarus Chakwera, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Namibia’s Nangolo Mbumba, and the Central African Republic’s Faustin-Archange Touadera—attended the launch of high-level meditation for South Sudan.

Kiir expressed his gratitude to Ruto for taking on the responsibility of mediating the South Sudan process and expressed his optimism that the mediation will be successful in advance of the nation’s general elections later this year.

According to Kiir, the South Sudanese administration will participate in the talks with an open mind and in good faith.

“We hope that the opposition groups have a similar conviction and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when fully achieved, will bring everlasting stability and economic development in the region, not just South Sudan.”

Sumbeiywo praised foreign and regional allies for their assistance in advancing the peace process.

“After this launch, we plan to engage in sustained and continuous mediation to ensure a speedy and comprehensive resolution of the issues, so long as the parties go along with the plan.”