South Sudanese Factions to Initiate Peace Negotiations in Nairobi

Peace negotiations among South Sudanese factions will begin in Nairobi on November 13, 2024, seeking to integrate holdout groups that did not sign the 2018 agreement. Key factions include the National Salvation Front, the South Sudan United Front, and the Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development will participate, with concerns about implementation and funding challenges remaining.

On November 13, 2024, peace negotiations involving South Sudanese government representatives and various holdout factions will commence in Nairobi. The focus of these discussions is to integrate groups that did not endorse the 2018 peace agreement into the ongoing peace process. Key participants include the National Salvation Front, chaired by Pagan Amum, the South Sudan United Front, led by former army chief Paul Malong, and the Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, headed by Stephen Buay. Diplomatic sources indicate that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will be actively involved in the dialogues. It is important to note that these talks are intended to work in conjunction with the original 2018 agreement and are not a replacement. Concerns regarding the slow implementation of the agreement alongside insufficient funding remain, as they pose potential risks to the peace negotiations. Recently, Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the commitment to resume the discussions in Nairobi during his visit to Juba, South Sudan’s capital. The 2018 peace agreement, which concluded multiple years of conflict in South Sudan, was initially signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar; however, several factions continued to oppose the government, leading to extended unrest.

The peace talks are a continuation of efforts to stabilize South Sudan, following the lengthy and devastating civil war that has plagued the nation since its independence in 2011. The 2018 peace agreement brought a tentative resolution between the major factions within the country, primarily the government led by President Salva Kiir and opposition groups. However, several smaller factions did not sign the agreement, resulting in ongoing hostilities. The involvement of international bodies such as IGAD reflects the broader regional interest in securing lasting peace in South Sudan, which is essential for the stability of East Africa as a whole.

The forthcoming peace talks in Kenya represent a crucial step towards consolidating peace in South Sudan by including previously excluded factions in the political dialogue. With IGAD’s involvement and renewed commitments from parties involved, there is hope for advancements in the peace process. However, challenges such as the slow implementation of previous agreements and funding issues could impact the effectiveness and success of these negotiations. The outcome of these talks will be pivotal in shaping South Sudan’s future.

Original Source: sudantribune.com