South Sudan’s government and opposition groups have restarted peace negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya, with the goal of concluding discussions within two weeks. The talks, named “Tumaini” (Hope), follow consultations in Juba and are mediated by Lazarus Sumbeiywo, who praised the participants’ determination to achieve lasting peace.
Key stakeholders include representatives from IGAD, the UN, the EU, and co-mediators from Sant’Egidio in Italy. The talks resumed after Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir emphasized the need for urgent progress during a meeting in early November.
Negotiations since May have addressed unresolved issues from previous peace agreements signed in 2016 and 2018. Eight protocols were developed to tackle challenges, including the Trust and Confidence Building protocol, which has fostered positive momentum.
This Kenya-led initiative aims to strengthen peace efforts, resolve outstanding issues, and lay the groundwork for a stable future in South Sudan.