![Peter Mayen. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/305458554_1137378220223569_3964759263771598809_n.jpg?resize=850%2C551&ssl=1)
Kenya is currently facilitating the Tumaini Initiative, a peace process designed to integrate nonsignatory opposition groups into South Sudan’s peace efforts and end the cycle of violence.
Last week, the Kenyan mediation team sent a proposed peace agreement to the signatories of the revitalized peace agreement.
Details of the proposal remain unclear, but sources indicate that the opposition groups’ suggestions, included in the mediators’ proposal, call for an extended transitional period and a smaller cabinet.
Reacting to the proposal, Mayen, who also leads the People’s Liberal Party (PLP), criticized the Tumaini Initiative and urged the Kenyan government to “respect” themselves and support South Sudan’s democratic ambitions.
“In the realm of political science and governance, I have yet to encounter a case study or ideology like the ‘Proposed Tumaini Initiative’,” he said.
“According to South Sudanese law, any citizen above 40 years can run for presidency as an independent or party candidate, with the Election Commission holding exclusive rights to validate candidacies,” he added.
Mayen further warned that “The Kenyan government should respect their democracy and support other nations’ democratic pursuits. South Sudanese citizens eagerly await the announcement of the electoral date. God bless South Sudan.”
It remains unclear what specific aspects of the Tumaini Initiative Mayen was referring to in his comments.
His comments also come a week after main armed opposition leader and First Vice President Riek Machar expressed concerns over the Kenyan initiative, claiming that it risk abrogating the revitalized peace agreement.
While the nonsignatory themselves responded to Machar, the mediation itself has not yet responded to the main armed opposition leader.
