Kenyan civil society organizations urge South Sudan leaders to compromise

JUBA – A section of Kenyan Civil Society Organizations is calling on South Sudanese leaders to make compromises and sacrifices necessary for achieving sustainable peace in the country.

In a statement seen by Sudans Post on Tuesday, about 22 Kenyan civil society groups advised the parties to silence the guns, pave the way for honest dialogue, and pursue a peaceful political process devoid of fears.

“We appeal to all the leaders of South Sudan in their various capacities in government and opposition, to sincerely respond to the needs of their people and make the compromises and sacrifices necessary to achieve sustainable peace,” the statement partly reads.

“The guns must fall silent to give way for honest dialogue and a peaceful political process devoid of threats and malicious intents,” it added.

The Civil Society of Kenya welcomed the Tumaini Initiative as a peaceful political process to restore hope, peace, and stability in South Sudan.

After the guns fell silent, millions of refugees in the region returned home, schools reopened, trade flourished, and the dream of a prosperous South Sudanese nation materialized, say activists.

“Unfortunately, those hopes and aspirations were quickly dashed by continuous violent political crises and conflicts resulting in increased insecurity, economic crisis, and weak institutions,” they noted.

To activists, South Sudan further faces the challenges of climate change, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. However, they added that her citizens remain resilient.

“We are confident that there is hope for their country through their relentless search for lasting peace,” CSOs assured.

“To the South Sudanese Civil Society, we recognize your love for your country and commitment to peace. You take so much risk to be the voice for your people. You are peacemakers and nation-builders,” Kenyan CSOs reaffirmed their support and solidarity with civil society organizations in South Sudan in their efforts toward the Tumaini Initiative.

“We understand that the ongoing negotiations will culminate in the development of a new constitution and the conduct of general elections,” they stated. “We therefore offer to share our experiences and expertise in negotiations, constitution-making, democratic governance strengthening, and elections with you and to accompany you in this noble journey of state and nation-building.”