South Sudan Government Responds to Non-Signatories at Nairobi Peace Talks

The South Sudanese government is set to respond to the grievances of non-signatory groups to the 2018 peace agreement on Monday, May 13, 2024, during ongoing high-level peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya. The talks, which began on Thursday, May 9, 2024, aim to address the concerns of holdout groups and bring them on board the peace process.

Why this matters: The success of these peace talks has significant implications for regional stability and economic development in East Africa. A lasting peace agreement in South Sudan could pave the way for increased investment and cooperation among neighboring countries, ultimately contributing to the growth of the African continent.

The government is negotiating with several non-signatory groups, including the Real SPLM led by Pagan Amum, which presented on justice in economic affairs and governance on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Other groups participating in the talks are General Paul Malong of the South Sudan United Front, Stephen Buay, the leader of South Sudan People's Movement, a wing of Thomas Cirilo, dubbed as NAS RRC, and the South Sudan People's Movement led by Stephen Buay.

According to Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth, the government will respond to the presentations on Monday, May 13, 2024. After this, the chief mediator, Lazarus Sumbeiyo, will draft an agenda for the continuation of the talks, which is expected to be released on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Makuei emphasized the need for an inclusive agreement and inclusive talks to bring peace to the people of South Sudan. "We are pressing hard so that all the parties join us in this process," he stated.

Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, called on politicians in the Nairobi peace talks to show political discipline and maturity in finding lasting solutions to the political instability in South Sudan.

The high-level mediation talks, dubbed the Tumaini Initiative, were launched by Kenyan President William Ruto on May 10, 2024. The talks aim to achieve sustainable peace in South Sudan, with a focus on implementing the peace agreement in governance, security, justice, and economic areas.

President Ruto stated, "This initiative exemplifies the pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the 'Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative' and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region, and the entire African continent."

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir expressed hope that the opposition groups share a similar conviction and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when fully achieved, will bring everlasting stability and economic development in the region, not just South Sudan.

The mediation process is a crucial step towards achieving peace and stability in South Sudan, which has been plagued by conflict and instability. Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), described the talks as "a bold and decisive step taken towards creating an opportunity for the Government, the Holdout groups and the people of the Republic of South Sudan to dialogue and chart the way forward."

The high-level mediation talks in Nairobi mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in South Sudan. With the government set to respond to the concerns of non-signatory groups and the chief mediator working on an agenda for the continuation of the talks, there is renewed hope for an inclusive agreement that will bring an end to the conflict and pave the way for economic development in the region.

Key Takeaways

• South Sudan's government to respond to non-signatory groups' grievances on May 13, 2024.
• Talks aim to address concerns and bring holdout groups on board the 2018 peace agreement.
• Success of talks crucial for regional stability and economic development in East Africa.
• Multiple non-signatory groups participating, including Real SPLM and South Sudan United Front.
• Talks part of the Tumaini Initiative, launched by Kenyan President William Ruto on May 10, 2024.