Pressure Intensifies on South Sudan Leaders as Tumaini Talks Resume

South Sudan leaders are under pressure to recommit to the 2018 peace deal as the Tumaini Peace Initiative talks resume in Nairobi. With ongoing violence and rising tensions, particularly ahead of the 2026 elections, the government faces challenges in resolving issues related to security and political representation. International and regional actors, including the African Union and UN, are emphasizing the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.

South Sudan’s transitional government is currently confronted with mounting pressure to recommit to the 2018 peace deal amidst growing instability. With elections set for 2026, both regional and international stakeholders are urging President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to take proactive measures to avert further deterioration of the situation. Rescheduled for late this month, the Tumaini Peace Initiative talks were previously postponed thrice, now taking place against a backdrop of renewed violence in Upper Nile State and escalating political strife in Juba. The African Union and United Nations warn of a looming risk of a return to full-scale conflict unless key disputes over security arrangements and political inclusion are resolved.

The ongoing civil conflict in South Sudan, initiating in 2013, has resulted in over 400,000 fatalities. In the northeastern Upper Nile region, fighting persists as government troops clash with the White Army militia, allegedly linked to Machar’s SPLM-IO. A tragic incident saw a UN helicopter attacked during a mission to evacuate national army members, resulting in one death and injuries to two others. President Salva Kiir remarked, “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.”

The situation’s volatility is exacerbated by recent arrests of senior officials affiliated with Machar, though they have since been released. The government justified these detentions, while Machar’s faction accused Kiir’s regime of breaching the peace accord and disrupting power-sharing arrangements. Riek Machar’s team condemned the actions, stressing that restoring regional peace is a priority, and announced ongoing engagement with various stakeholders to avert further violence. Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group stated, “The fragile peace that has maintained a delicate balance among competing armed leaders since 2018 is at risk of collapsing.”

Launched in May 2024, the Tumaini Peace Initiative aims to assimilate holdout opposition groups into South Sudan’s transitional governance framework. Unfortunately, delays and discrepancies have hindered its progress, particularly following the recent postponement. Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group cautioned, “South Sudan is slipping rapidly toward full-blown war,” and warned of potential ethnic massacres if the situation is not promptly stabilized. As the March talks approach, mediators emphasize the necessity of addressing unresolved issues like security sector reforms and political representation.

Heightening diplomatic scrutiny from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development seeks to prevent further conflict escalation. The United Nations and African Union Joint Task Force on Peace and Security highlighted the pressing need for a coordinated diplomatic response to support the peace initiative. Furthermore, a UN rights body expressed grave concerns regarding the worsening conditions, emphasizing the risk of widespread violence. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, articulated, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress. Leaders must urgently refocus on the peace process, uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a smooth transition to democracy. “,

In conclusion, South Sudan’s tenuous peace faces significant threats from escalating violence and political discord. The resumption of the Tumaini Peace Initiative talks is a critical opportunity for leaders to confront unresolved issues and reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful resolution. The combined pressure from the African Union, United Nations, and other international entities is essential for averting a return to conflict and ensuring a stable political transition. The situation remains precarious, necessitating immediate and coordinated efforts to restore peace.

Original Source: africa.cgtn.com