South Sudan’s President Reaffirms Commitment to Tumaini Peace Negotiations

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan confirmed that the Tumaini peace talks aim to integrate hold-out groups into the existing Revitalized Peace Agreement. UN officials highlighted the need for urgent action to fulfill commitments made during the peace negotiations and facilitate humanitarian aid access. The meeting comes amid significant humanitarian challenges facing the country, with millions in need of assistance.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan reaffirmed the commitment to the Tumaini peace talks with hold-out groups in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasizing that the discussions are meant to complement the existing Revitalized Peace Agreement, not replace it. The president stated that the goal is to understand and address the concerns of all parties involved, thereby integrating the Tumaini Initiative into the ongoing peace framework. He underscored the importance of inclusivity to avoid further conflict cycles and highlighted the restructuring of the government delegation to expedite negotiations.

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Nicholas Haysom, referred to the extension of the transitional period by two years and the postponement of elections as regrettable yet necessary, given the insufficient progress in fulfilling key aspects of the peace agreement. He called for a clear and actionable work plan to achieve the promises made to the South Sudanese people, urging all parties to act urgently in realizing political commitments towards stability.

Regarding the election scheduled for December 2026, President Kiir encouraged all potential candidates to prepare proactively, emphasizing that the time remaining is significant enough for adequate preparation. Mr. Haysom acknowledged the aspirations of South Sudanese leadership for a transition from ongoing conflict to a peaceful future, urging state governors to focus on addressing root causes of conflict and ensuring the delivery of essential services through sound public financial management.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis, characterized by a need for aid among nine million people and severe food insecurity impacting 7.5 million, was highlighted by Deputy Special Representative Anita Kiki Gbeho. She emphasized the importance of ensuring unhindered access for aid organizations to address the dire situation exacerbated by violence and logistical challenges. Gbeho expressed hope for leadership commitment to facilitate humanitarian efforts effectively.

The Governor’s Forum serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among national and state leaders, thereby addressing pressing security and economic challenges while advancing the implementation of the peace agreement.

The Tumaini peace negotiations have been initiated to engage hold-out groups in South Sudan who have not yet signed onto the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. These talks aim to resolve differences and incorporate the concerns of various stakeholders into a unified approach toward lasting peace. The conflict has persisted in South Sudan, leading to humanitarian crises and political instability, necessitating new negotiations to strengthen existing agreements and enhance governance. Amidst a backdrop of humanitarian need, the UN emphasizes the importance of leadership in facilitating peace and ensuring effective aid delivery to affected populations.

In conclusion, President Salva Kiir’s commitment to the Tumaini peace talks highlights a significant step towards addressing the concerns of opposition groups while reinforcing the existing peace framework. The ongoing humanitarian crisis calls for urgent attention from both national and state-level leaders to ensure unimpeded access for aid organizations. The success of these discussions and the subsequent implementation of resulting frameworks will depend on the collective will and action of all parties involved, fostering hope for stability and peace in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz