JUBA, South Sudan — Following a four-month hiatus and the dismissal of a government delegation, the peace negotiations for South Sudan resumed on Wednesday in Kenya. This initiative represents the most recent effort to resolve the ongoing conflict that has severely affected the nation’s economy.
The discussions involve South Sudan’s government and various opposition groups that were excluded from the 2018 peace agreement, which successfully concluded a five-year civil war that resulted in the deaths of over 400,000 individuals. Known as Tumaini—meaning “hope” in Swahili—these talks initiated in May have seen both sides sign a “commitment declaration” for establishing peace.
However, the proceedings encountered obstacles after President Salva Kiir removed the initial government delegation from the negotiations. A new team was designated to represent the government but faced challenges traveling to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on two occasions.
No specific explanations were provided for the dismissals or travel issues. Kiir previously disclosed that the discussions in Nairobi were not intended to replace the existing 2018 peace accord but rather aimed to address and incorporate the concerns of dissenting groups.
Despite the 2018 agreement still not being fully realized, elections in South Sudan, originally planned for December 2024, have been postponed to 2026. These elections would mark the first such event since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
The delay was attributed to the incomplete voter registration process, which has encountered financial shortcomings amid an economic downturn that has left civil servants without salaries for over a year. The nation relies heavily on oil exports for revenue, yet a damaged pipeline in Sudan, currently embroiled in civil conflict, has hindered oil shipments from South Sudan.
Throughout the talks, both parties have voiced concerns regarding a new legislative measure that permits detentions without warrants, arguing that it infringes upon human rights.
On Wednesday, chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiyo urged all participants to promptly address unresolved matters. Pagan Amum, the leader of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, called on the newly appointed government representatives to honor prior agreements.
“This is not the time to renegotiate what has already been decided; we must recognize that this could be our final opportunity to save our nation from complete disintegration and chaos, as the future of South Sudan rests in our hands,” Amum remarked.
Adding to this, Kuol Manyang Juuk, representing the government, encouraged all parties to put aside their differences. “We aren’t starting from zero; our aim is to build upon our prior accomplishments,” Juuk stated.
