Resumption of South Sudan Peace Talks Aims to Address Conflict and Economic Crisis

After a four-month hiatus, South Sudan peace talks have resumed in Kenya, involving the government and opposition groups not part of the original 2018 agreement. The discussions were prompted by President Salva Kiir’s dismissal of a government delegation. The talks aim to address the concerns of these groups while emphasizing the need for unity in the face of ongoing economic challenges and the urgency of the situation.

The peace talks in South Sudan, which had been stalled for four months, have resumed in Kenya following the recent dismissal of a government delegation. These discussions, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict that has severely impacted the nation’s economy, involve the South Sudanese government and opposition groups that were not included in the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a devastating civil war claiming over 400,000 lives. Named “Tumaini,” meaning hope in Swahili, the negotiations commenced in May, culminating in a “commitment declaration” for peace.

The resumption of talks comes after South Sudanese President Salva Kiir’s decision to replace the previous government delegation, which encountered obstacles in traveling to Nairobi for two scheduled meetings. Despite the lack of stated reasons for the leadership changes and travel difficulties, President Kiir clarified that this round of talks is designed to address the concerns of those opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 accord while reiterating that it does not aim to replace it.

Although the original peace agreement remains partially implemented, the South Sudanese government has postponed elections initially set for December 2024, deferring them to 2026 due to challenges in voter registration amidst a dire economic situation. This has resulted in significant financial strain and delayed salaries for civil servants for over a year. The country’s primary revenue source, oil exports, has been compromised by a damaged pipeline in neighboring Sudan, which is also embroiled in conflict.

During the talks, both sides expressed their discontent with a new law that permits arrests without warrants, viewing it as a violation of human rights. Chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiyo pressed for a resolution to outstanding issues, while Pagan Amum, leader of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, emphasized the necessity for the new government delegation to adhere to previously established agreements.

Amum remarked, “This is not a time to renegotiate what we have already agreed upon – it is important to remember that this is probably the last chance to rescue our country from total disintegration and collapse into chaos and disorder as the fate of South Sudan now is in our hands.” Furthermore, Kuol Manyang Juuk from the government side emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “We are not here to start the talks from scratch; we are here to build on what has been accomplished.”

The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has led to significant loss of life and economic instability since the country gained independence in 2011. The 2018 peace agreement aimed to put an end to five years of civil war but has faced implementation challenges. Delayed elections and economic crises, including issues with oil exports and unpaid government salaries, hinder progress towards lasting peace. The recent peace talks in Kenya focus on bringing together the government and opposition groups that were excluded from prior agreements in hopes of establishing more comprehensive negotiations.

In conclusion, the resumption of the South Sudan peace talks in Kenya marks a critical opportunity for the nation’s leadership to address unresolved issues stemming from the ongoing conflict. The new government delegation’s willingness to commit to previous agreements, along with the urgent need for collaboration expressed by both sides, reflects a vital step towards restoring stability in South Sudan. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges as the country grapples with economic pressures and political tensions.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com