The government of South Sudan and rebel opposition groups signed a “commitment declaration” for peace during high-level mediation talks held in Kenya. This agreement marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the protracted conflict that has severely impacted South Sudan’s economy.
The details of the agreement were not disclosed during the signing ceremony, which was attended by diplomats and representatives from civil society groups. Notably, the rebel opposition groups involved in these talks were not part of the 2018 peace agreement that ended South Sudan’s five-year civil war—a conflict that resulted in 400,000 deaths and displaced millions.
Kenya’s foreign office described the agreement as a “first milestone” in the ongoing discussions, with both sides committing to end the violence and hostilities. The high-level mediation talks, which commenced a week ago, have been dubbed the Tumaini Initiative—’tumaini’ being Swahili for ‘hope’. The initiative is spearheaded by former Kenyan army commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo.
At the inauguration of the talks, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir expressed his gratitude to Kenyan President William Ruto for hosting the negotiations.
As South Sudan prepares for elections in December, the country remains politically fragile. The full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement has yet to be achieved, and conflict continues to erupt in various regions due to ongoing ethnic and political tensions.
The commitment signed in Kenya offers a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in South Sudan, a nation yearning for stability and development after years of turmoil.