![South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit (left) greeting opposition leader and former SPLM Secretary-General Pagan Amum at the start of the peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, April 9th, 2024. [Photo by presidency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/438222681_1502378207056900_7983306847008375683_n.jpg?resize=1907%2C889&quality=89&ssl=1)
Speaking at the monthly RJMEC meeting, Netherlands Deputy Head of Mission to South Sudan, Bouwe-Jan Smeding, called on participants in the Tumaini Initiative to prioritize consensus and compromise on critical issues.
“We acknowledge the achievements so far with the Tumaini Initiative. We again emphasize the importance of an inclusive approach and urge participants to keep seeking compromises,” Bouwe-Jan said.
Representing the IGAD Partner Forum, Bouwe-Jan also urged parties to the 2018 peace agreement to address outstanding issues that are delaying its implementation.
He highlighted the need for progress on key tasks, including the drafting of a permanent constitution, conducting a census, and deploying unified forces with an agreed command structure.
“To show political commitment and will, the IPF would like to see a clear work plan and timeline on how to implement these essential tasks and advance the country in the next two years,” he added.
Bouwe-Jan also expressed concern over the rise in armed attacks, ambushes, and intercommunal violence in various regions.
“These incidents have led to the loss of many lives, mostly young civilians. We call on the government to take full responsibility for providing security and protecting the people of South Sudan.”
The government has been engaging opposition parties that declined to sign the 2018 revitalized peace agreement in a dialogue process that began in Nairobi on May 3, 2024.
The opposition groups include the South Sudan United Front (SSUF), led by Gen. Paul Malong Awan, and Real SPLM, led by Pagan Amum, former Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Other parties are also involved, though the armed opposition group National Salvation Front (NAS), led by Thomas Cirilo Swaka, has opted out, citing a lack of security guarantees.
The mediation is being led by former Kenyan Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo, who previously mediated the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which granted Southern Sudan autonomy and eventually led to a referendum for independence in 2011.
