Resumption of South Sudan Peace Talks in Nairobi: A Step Towards Stability

Peace talks in Nairobi for South Sudan resumed with the Transitional Government and opposition groups aiming to finalize a resolution within two weeks. Mediated by Lazarus Sumbeiywo, recent discussions focus on building trust and overcoming past challenges. The initiative seeks to address outstanding issues from previous agreements and strengthen peace-building efforts.

On Wednesday, peace talks aimed at resolving South Sudan’s ongoing conflict were resumed in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Transitional Government of National Unity and opposition groups convening under the mediation of Lazarus Sumbeiywo. Named “Tumaini,” meaning hope, the negotiations are projected to conclude in two weeks and follow a preparatory consultative phase in Juba. Sumbeiywo expressed gratitude for the resilience of the stakeholders involved and highlighted the commitment to pursue peace for South Sudan.

The initiative, which began on May 9, encountered setbacks due to concerns over negotiation mechanisms; however, it aims to address critical outstanding issues stemming from previous agreements signed in 2016 and 2018. With guidance from international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the European Union, and the United Nations, the parties have established eight protocols focused on key differences affecting the region.

Significantly, the Trust and Confidence Building protocol emerged as a foundational element in fostering momentum within the peace talks. The recent directive from Presidents William Ruto and Salva Kiir to accelerate mediation efforts underscores the urgency to finalize agreements that could lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.

The ongoing peace talks in South Sudan come in the wake of prolonged violence and instability that have afflicted the nation since its independence in 2011. Previous agreements, including the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and the Revitalized Agreement, had been signed in 2016 and 2018, yet their implementation has been plagued by various challenges. The latest mediation effort, named the Tumaini Initiative, aims to reconcile differences that challenge the country’s stability and to reinforce trust among the parties involved. Co-mediated by various international organizations, the primary objective remains the establishment of a sustainable peace framework.

In summary, the resumption of peace talks in Nairobi marks a crucial step toward addressing the ongoing turmoil in South Sudan. With a focus on unity and resilience among the stakeholders, this initiative seeks to address historical grievances while fostering trust through structured protocols. The involvement of regional and international entities highlights the global commitment to restoring peace in South Sudan, and the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the success of these negotiations.

Original Source: english.news.cn