Kenyan’s new president told to prioritize South Sudan transition

JUBA – South Sudan’s prominent activist Edmund Yakani has asked the new Kenyan President William Ruto to prioritize the political transition in the world’s youngest country, saying Kenya and South Sudan have more in common.

Yakani who is the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) made the state a day after President Salva Kiir Mayardit became one of the first African heads of state to personally meet the new Kenyan president.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, Yakani said Kenyan president’s term begins ahead of a twenty-four months transitional period in South Sudan and that the political transition in the world’s youngest country has direct relations with the Kenyan economy.

“The term of William Ruto as president of Kenya is expected to be contributing effectively for genuine implementation of the R-ARCSS. The political stability of South Sudan has direct impact on the economic growth of Kenyan economy,” Yakani said.

“The success of regional trade is determined by the successful peace and security of the region. So, it is essential for President William Ruto to secure genuine implementation of the R-ARCSS since South Sudan offers Kenya trade great opportunity of profit making,” the activist added.

Yakani further urged the new Kenyan government to prioritize South Sudan on its regional dealings and pledged to engage the new Kenyan leadership over the implementation of the country’s revitalized peace agreement signed in 2018.

“CEPO is urging the Kenya political leadership to prioritize South Sudan political transitional process. CEPO is ready to engage on lobby activities with the new Kenya leadership for effective engagement on R-ARCSS implementation,” he said.

The statement further urged Ruto’s government “to take primary responsibility of strengthening the role of IGAD in peace and security agenda engagement.”