South Sudan delegation arrives in Nairobi for consultations on Tumaini Initiative

NAIROBI – A South Sudanese government delegation arrived in Nairobi for a consultative meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the Tumaini Initiative, an effort to engage non-signatory opposition groups in the revitalized peace agreement.

Earlier this year, President Salva Kiir requested Ruto to mediate between the South Sudanese government and armed factions outside the 2018 peace deal. The Tumaini Initiative was officially launched in May, but despite reported progress, it has yet to yield significant outcomes.

In recent weeks, reports from Kenya have indicated advancements in discussions between the South Sudanese government and opposition groups, including SSUFA, SSMP, and the Real SPLM. Speculation suggests a peace agreement could be signed by the parties as early as next month.

In a statement released yesterday, Ruto expressed optimism about the Tumaini (or “Hope”) Initiative following a meeting with the South Sudan delegation led by Cabinet Minister Martin Elia Lomuro. Ruto also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to South Sudan’s peace efforts.

“Encouraged by the progress the Tumaini Initiative is making in restoring peace and stability in South Sudan. Kenya remains committed to supporting its successful conclusion for the benefit of the people of South Sudan,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ruto added that he met with the delegation, which delivered a message from President Kiir regarding the peace negotiations.

“At State House, Nairobi, met the High-Level Standing Committee for South Sudan, led by Minister Martin Elia Lomuro, who also conveyed a message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the initiative,” he said.

In a statement, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, welcomed the meeting between the South Sudanese delegation and the Kenyan government.

The activist expressed optimism that the Kenyan president’s statement would create a positive atmosphere for the talks.

“CEPO hopes that this meeting will create a positive spirit for the government delegation returning to the Tumaini Initiative Mediation Table for finalization of the peace talks and creation of an implementable political transitional framework,” Yakani said.

Yakani expressed disappointment over the lack of women’s representation in the delegation. He pointed to a photo posted on X by Ruto, which showed only male government officials on both sides of the meeting.

Yakani argued that this violated the revitalized peace agreement’s provisions for at least 35% women’s representation in decision-making processes.

“Besides the positive message from Kenya President H.E. William Samoei Ruto in his X media platform, the photo taken at Kenya State House with the Kenya President and Government delegation demonstrated no representation or participation of South Sudan women representatives among the government delegation,” Yakani said.

“This photo looks strongly disturbing and shows a direct violation of the affirmative action of minimum 35% for women’s representation and participation in decision-making processes as stipulated and agreed upon by the parties’ signatories to R-ARCSS article 1 (1.12.2) read together with Article 5(1.1) of the R-ARCSS. Furthermore, article 1 (1.4.4) of the Transitional Constitution for the Republic of South Sudan,” he added.

The prominent activist further called on South Sudan’s political leaders to adopt a more positive approach to politics, prioritizing the interests of the people and national stability.

“CEPO is urging South Sudan political leaders to really have change of political attitudes from negative politics to positive politics where political will and commitment is highly and strongly demonstrated for the best of the citizens and national stability,” he concluded.