President Ruto Engages in Peace Talks with South Sudan’s Leadership

Kenya’s President William Ruto is in Juba for peace talks with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, aimed at ending persistent conflicts and promoting cooperation on infrastructure initiatives like the Lapsset Corridor. This visit follows previous engagement with opposition parties and signifies Kenya’s ongoing role as a mediator for lasting peace in South Sudan.

On a diplomatic mission, President William Ruto of Kenya has traveled to Juba, South Sudan, to engage in discussions aimed at resolving persistent conflicts that hinder the nation’s reconstruction efforts. According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, President Ruto is scheduled to meet with President Salva Kiir to lay the groundwork for enduring peace through the Tumaini initiative. This initiative has developed over the past six months with comprehensive dialogues involving crucial South Sudanese stakeholders. The forthcoming talks are expected to address the advancement of joint infrastructural projects between Kenya and South Sudan. This includes the Lapsset Corridor, a significant infrastructural endeavor designed to enhance trade by fostering better connectivity from South Sudan to the Indian Ocean. President Ruto’s visit follows his earlier engagement with representatives from South Sudanese opposition parties, who expressed their readiness to endorse the Tumaini Consensus. Kenya has assumed a mediating role in the ongoing negotiations among conflicting factions within South Sudan. Earlier this year in May, President Ruto facilitated the signing of a commitment aimed at achieving peace, consolidating efforts to unite opposing parties against violence. Leading this mediation is former army commander Lazurus Sumbeiywo, who previously played a pivotal role in the successful negotiation of the 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ultimately paved the way for South Sudan’s independence. Recently, the once-reluctant holdout groups appear to be more amenable to the Kenyan-led mediation, diverging from their previous stance in which they declined to cement the 2018 peace agreement facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad). This positive shift indicates an increasing willingness among factions to work towards a peaceful resolution to their long-standing disputes.

South Sudan has experienced a prolonged period of conflict since its independence in 2011, primarily due to power struggles within the government and disputes among various armed groups. The Tumaini initiative reflects a concerted effort by Kenya to mediate peace in the region, building on past agreements. The involvement of experienced negotiators such as Lazurus Sumbeiywo, known for his role in the 2005 peace negotiations, highlights the seriousness of the mediation efforts. Kenya’s active engagement signifies its commitment to regional stability, particularly in fostering economic development through projects like the Lapsset Corridor.

In summary, President William Ruto’s visit to Juba serves as a crucial step in fostering dialogue and promoting peace within South Sudan. The outcome of these discussions, particularly concerning the Tumaini initiative and infrastructural collaborations, is vital for the nation’s recovery and ongoing efforts towards stability. The evolving acceptance among factions for mediation illustrates a growing consensus on the importance of peaceful negotiations to address long-standing grievances.

Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke