Kenya’s President William Ruto is set to travel to South Sudan today to brief President Salva Kiir on the progress of the Tumaini Initiative, a Kenya-led peace mediation between South Sudan’s government and opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement. Ruto’s visit follows recent discussions with both South Sudan government and opposition representatives, aiming to reach a consensus on peace mechanisms.
During a Tuesday press conference, South Sudan’s Presidential Press Secretary, Lily Martin Manyiel, announced that President Ruto will meet President Kiir to discuss ongoing developments and clear up any rumors surrounding South Sudan’s commitment to the Tumaini Initiative. She emphasized that Ruto’s involvement aligns with Kiir’s invitation in December 2023 for Kenya to take a leading role in the stalled peace process, previously mediated by the Community of Sant’Egidio.
Recent meetings in Nairobi have seen Kenya’s leader engage both South Sudan’s High-Level Standing Committee, led by Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro, and opposition figures such as Gen. Stephen Buoy Rolnyang. The South Sudanese government, in its communication to Ruto, raised concerns about specific protocols within the Tumaini Initiative, particularly regarding bodies like the National Leadership Council and the National Implementation Oversight Commission. Government officials reiterated that the Tumaini Initiative should complement, rather than replace, the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The talks, which began in Nairobi in May 2023, were paused in July after members of the SPLM-IO, led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, walked out. However, a recent engagement between Ruto and the opposition leaders, including representatives of the Real-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the South Sudan United Front, revealed a renewed commitment to the process. Ruto expressed optimism, sharing on social media that the opposition confirmed their readiness to sign the Tumaini Consensus, signaling a hopeful step forward in the peace process.
Gen. Stephen Buoy Rolnyang confirmed the meeting with President Ruto, noting that opposition groups are prepared for the final signature stage. The Tumaini Initiative represents an essential opportunity for consolidating peace efforts by integrating the opposition groups that initially abstained from the 2018 peace accord.
President Ruto’s visit marks another significant effort in stabilizing South Sudan, as both nations aim for sustainable peace in the region.
