Nairobi talks set to begin next week, uncertainty over Cirilo attendance

JUBA – Peace talks between South Sudan’s government and holdout opposition groups are expected to begin in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Representatives of the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) and South Sudan government have confirmed their participation.

SSUF/A spokesperson Garang Malual Deng stated that the talks would likely resume from where negotiations left off during the Rome peace initiative.

“The real day of the talks which was communicated to us before, is on the 10^th of this month. It is supposed to begin where we stopped last time at Rome peace,” he disclosed.

He expressed readiness on behalf of both the SSUF/A and the Real-SPLM led by Pagan Amum, but voiced doubt over the attendance of the National Salvation Front (NAS) under Gen. Thomas Cirilo.

“I doubt, up to now, we have not seen anyone from their group [NAS under Thomas Cirilo], but almost all other groups, like Real SPLM, have sent their delegates,” Malual said.

Garang said the agenda of the meeting was not yet unveiled to them by mediators, adding that the talks are supposed to begin where the Rome peace initiative stopped.

Both the NAS and the National Democratic Movement-Patriotic Front (NDM-PF) allied to Emmanuel Ajwain have previously rejected the Nairobi initiative.

They cite safety concerns and a lack of consultation in the shift from the prior Rome-based talks.

For his part, information minister and government delegation rapporteur Micheal Makuei Lueth, speaking to SSBC, reiterated the government’s commitment to peace.

“The government’s objectives closely align with the aspirations of the South Sudanese people, who have long yearned for enduring peace and stability,” he said”

A government delegation led by presidential envoy Amb. Albino Mathem has arrived in Nairobi ahead of the talks.

They were received by Kenyan Presidential advisor on the Great Lakes region, Mr. Charles Keter.