The Tumaini Initiative: A Glimmer of Hope for Peace in South Sudan

The Tumaini Peace Talks resumed in Nairobi on December 4, 2024, with international participation reflecting continued global interest in peace for South Sudan. Changes in the positions of the RTGoNU and calls for inclusivity marked the discussions, fostering optimism for reaching a consensus on peace despite some divergent viewpoints about protocol renegotiation. There is a collective hope that the talks will culminate in a meaningful peace agreement for the South Sudanese people.

On December 4, 2024, I attended the resumption of the Tumaini Peace Talks in Nairobi as a private citizen. The event drew a notable number of regional and international dignitaries, illustrating that global interest in a peaceful South Sudan remains despite other pressing international issues. I found Gen. Kuol Manyang’s opening remarks particularly inspiring as he acknowledged the contributions of historical leaders such as Pagan Amum, Oyay Deng, Paul Malong, and Stephen Buoy, emphasizing their roles in nation-building and fostering unity.

A noticeable shift in the position of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) emerged during the talks. Initially, the RTGoNU viewed the outcomes of the Tumaini Talks as supplementary to the 2018 Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) but appeared to embrace a more cooperative outlook. This change was subtly reflected in Gen. Pagan Amum’s remarks, highlighting the need for lasting peace built on previously established agreements, including the R-ARCSS.

Moreover, the call for inclusivity was significant, particularly concerning the participation of Gen. Thomas Cirillo and Gen. Simon Gatwech in the discussions. Some critics suggest that this could complicate the peace process, yet I believe that parallel engagements, especially with Gen. Thomas, could yield positive results if pursued effectively.

Additionally, there was some ambiguity regarding the timeline mentioned in the joint communique from President William Ruto’s visit to Juba on November 6, 2024. Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo clarified that the two heads of state aimed for a two-week conclusion to the Tumaini Talks, inviting all parties to strive for a peace agreement as a crucial gift for the people of South Sudan.

Diverging views on the status of the initialed protocols also surfaced; while the RTGoNU expressed the necessity for adjustments to enhance implementation, the Opposition Groups firmly opposed renegotiation. Such attempts could set a perilous precedent, reminiscent of the Abyei Protocol negotiations that led to conflict. Nevertheless, cooperative dialogue is essential, and the Opposition Groups should consider changes proposed by the RTGoNU for the sake of peace.

The clarity achieved on the first day of the talks, alongside impassioned calls from stakeholders for completion, suggests that the remaining differences are not insurmountable. Professor Pauline Riak aptly highlighted the suffering of the South Sudanese people, emphasizing that failure to reach an agreement is not acceptable. I left the event with renewed hope that the Tumaini Initiative could foster peace in South Sudan, with the term ‘Tumaini’ meaning ‘Hope’—a radical notion promoting transformative change for better governance and stability in the region.

The recent Tumaini Peace Talks in Nairobi may usher in a new era of hope for peace in South Sudan. With a significant focus on inclusivity and the integration of previous peace agreements, stakeholders display a commitment to reaching an agreement. However, the challenges of renegotiating protocols must be navigated carefully to avoid past pitfalls. Overall, there is a shared optimism for a more peaceful future for South Sudan.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org