South Sudan Hold-Out Groups Set to Sign Peace Deal Next Month

South Sudan hold-out groups are expected to finalize a peace agreement in November, following the completion of key protocols. The talks, which stalled because of internal consultations, illustrate the ongoing struggle for harmony between the government and opposition factions. Despite internal conflicts regarding power dynamics, mediators suggest a hopeful resolution is imminent, although skepticism remains concerning the government’s commitment to the Tumaini Initiative and broader peace processes.

The high-level mediation discussions involving South Sudan’s hold-out groups are set to culminate in a peace agreement scheduled for signing in November. This pivotal development follows the completion of nine critical protocols addressing various agenda items essential for the ongoing peace process. The mediation team has indicated a resurgence in talks which had stagnated recently due to the government’s members engaging in consultations in Juba. In a recent interview, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the chief mediator and a veteran of South Sudan’s independence negotiations, noted that discussions on nearly all protocols were finalized, with the notable exception of the Responsibility Sharing protocol, which is expected to be concluded imminently. Lt-Gen Sumbeiywo reassured stakeholders that the arrangement for delegates to return for consultations with their constituents is customary in mediation processes. The transitional government, comprising five parties, is represented in the discussions, highlighting the necessity for government members to update their factions on progress made in mediation. The Tumaini Initiative, as the ongoing talks are officially named, is attempting to resolve conflicts between the coalition government led by President Salva Kiir and groups that previously rejected the 2018 peace agreement that established the transitional government. However, the negotiations are fraught with internal dissent, with various factions within the government reportedly uneasy about granting shares of power to the hold-out groups due to fears of diminished influence. Further complicating matters, President Kiir recently dismissed Gen Akol Koor Kuc, head of the National Security Services, amid ongoing concerns regarding opposition from key government and security personnel against the ongoing peace efforts. On another front, Dr. Riek Machar, a prominent member of the coalition government and leader of the SPLM-IO, has voiced his objections to the Tumaini Initiative, arguing that some of its protocols infringe upon the foundational principles of the original 2018 peace accord, known as the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The nine protocols under discussion encompass a wide range of critical issues, including confidence-building measures, management of communal violence, justice sector reforms, and transitional justice and accountability, among others. While groups like the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (Ssoma) advocate for the protocols as a necessary step towards minimizing conflict, they contend that the transitional government has been negligent in attending to them in Nairobi. Furthermore, Patrick Godi, representing the youth at the Tumaini Initiative, asserts that discussions surrounding essential issues such as economic recovery and judicial reforms are ongoing and may be resolved shortly. Pagan Amum, leader of Real SPLM, echoed sentiments that the negotiations remain unresolved but are hopeful of continuation once the government returns. An analysis released by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (Accord) warns that the Tumaini Initiative must maintain legitimacy by ensuring that it remains interconnected with the broader peace efforts. Failure to do so, the report suggests, could lead to perceptions of the initiative as another reiteration of an ineffective status quo. Political analysts in South Sudan emphasize the necessity for the Tumaini Initiative to incorporate citizen engagement into the negotiation process. Additionally, with elections initially slated for December postponed for an additional two years, concerns amongst donors grow regarding the transitional government’s capacity to fulfill its commitments, casting doubt on future financial support.

The recent peace talks concerning South Sudan revolve around the Tumaini Initiative, which aims to reconcile holdout groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement that established a transitional government. The discussions have surfaced amidst an apparent suspension of talks following governmental consultations and internal conflicts regarding power-sharing arrangements. The ongoing negotiations include significant topics such as justice reforms, security sector reforms, and community stability, with significant actors from both the government and opposition voicing concerns about the implications of these protocols on existing agreements.

In conclusion, the upcoming signing of the peace agreement by South Sudan’s hold-out groups represents a significant step towards potentially stabilizing the nation. The resolution of outstanding protocols, particularly on Responsibility Sharing, will be crucial for ensuring a comprehensive understanding among the involved parties. Despite challenges posed by internal dissent and apprehensions among government officials, the continuation of talks signifies a hopeful yet delicate path towards enduring peace, contingent on the investment of all stakeholders in fostering an inclusive governance structure that invokes wider public participation.

Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke