South Sudan leaders urged to foster inclusive political dialogue

JUBA – A prominent South Sudanese human rights activist, Edmund Yakani, on Friday urged the country’s political leaders to prioritize inclusive political dialogue during the Tumaini peace talks set to resume next week in Nairobi, Kenya.

In a statement shared with Sudans Post, Yakani expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the presidency-level discussions, describing them as a critical step toward building an inclusive political process.

“Tumaini also offers us the opportunity to establish an implementable political framework that transitions our country from violence to peace—our ultimate goal and the best interest of our citizens in the Republic of South Sudan,” Yakani said.

He called on government and opposition factions to approach the talks in good faith, acknowledging the importance of political consensus for the legitimacy of the Tumaini Initiative.

“We understand the concerns raised by party leaders signatory to our axis, and we know the legitimacy of Tumaini is rooted in political consensus and the will of these leaders, particularly at the presidency level,” Yakani stated.

The Tumaini peace talks, initiated in May 2024, aim to resolve ongoing conflict between South Sudan’s transitional unity government and hold-out opposition groups.

During the first round of talks in May, the parties signed nine protocols. However, unresolved issues continue to hinder the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement.

In December 2023, President Salva Kiir requested Kenyan President William Ruto to assume the mediation role from the Community of Sant’Egidio, an Italian peace organization that had been facilitating discussions in Rome.

President Kiir cited frustrations over the stalled progress in Rome, arguing that the talks had failed to produce a sustainable solution.

The Kenya-led initiative faced its own challenges in July when South Sudanese government representatives raised concerns over proposed mechanisms in the negotiations.

The Tumaini peace talks remain a key effort in South Sudan’s pursuit of lasting peace and political stability.