High-level mediation talks on South Sudan were initiated Thursday in Kenya, with African presidents urging an end to a conflict that has severely affected the country’s economy for years.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir expressed gratitude to his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, for hosting the talks.
He affirmed his government’s commitment to negotiating in good faith and with an open mind.
“We hope that the opposition groups share a similar commitment and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when achieved, will bring enduring stability and economic development not only to South Sudan but to the entire region,” President Kiir stated.
The discussions involve the government and rebel opposition factions that were not part of a 2018 agreement that concluded a five-year civil war, resulting in the deaths of 400,000 people.
Ruto emphasized the necessity for inclusive and locally-driven solutions to African challenges during the talks on Thursday.
“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,” he stated.
In addition to Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Namibia’s Nangolo Mbumba, and Central African Republic’s Faustin-Archange Touadera, the launch was attended by other African leaders following an earlier African Union agricultural summit.
U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer expressed his support for the talks, stating, “The United States applauds Kenya’s commitment to regional stability and support for peace in South Sudan,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.
Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the chief mediator in the South Sudan peace process, voiced confidence in the talks’ ability to address lingering issues.
“Following this launch, we plan to engage in sustained and continuous mediation to ensure a swift and comprehensive resolution of the issues, provided that the parties cooperate with the plan,” he affirmed.
Despite the 2018 peace agreement, South Sudan continues to face fragility as key provisions remain unimplemented. Elections scheduled for December are looming, yet crucial matters such as establishing a unified security force remain unresolved.
The opposition advocates for the swift implementation of the agreement to ensure the groundwork for free and fair elections.
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