Ruto to Brief Kiir on South Sudan Peace Talks in Juba Visit
| November 6, 2024
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir (R) with First Vice President Riek Machar at at the State House in Juba, on February 22, 2020, South Sudan. South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar was sworn in as first vice president on February 22, 2020, formally rejoining the government in the latest bid to bring peace to a nation ravaged by war. Photo: AFP
Kenyan President William Ruto is set to visit South Sudan on Wednesday to update President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the progress of the South Sudanese peace talks currently hosted in Nairobi under Ruto’s leadership.
The announcement was made by Presidential Press Secretary Lily Martin Manyiel, who addressed reporters in Juba on Tuesday. “President Ruto’s visit is a working visit intended to inform, align perspectives, and provide an update toPresident Salva Kiir Mayardit on the peace talks.
This visit will also help clear up certain misconceptions,” she stated. Ayuel clarified that there have been misleading claims suggesting President Kiir has “abandoned or lost interest in the Tumaini Initiative.”
“Let me remind you,” she continued, “President Kiir has repeatedly stated that under his leadership, South Sudan will not revert to war. He stands firmly on this commitment.”
Ayuel emphasised that President Kiir believes lasting peace can only be achieved if all South Sudanese voices are included in the process.
“It’s absurd to suggest that His Excellency has lost interest in the Tumaini Initiative. He is fully committed to securing lasting peace in South Sudan,” Ayuel said, adding that Kiir’s ultimate aim is “a permanent silence of guns in South Sudan.”
She noted that the Tumaini Initiative, now led by President Ruto, is pivotal in bringing all factions to the table for open dialogue.
“This is why the initiative is being led by President Ruto in Kenya, to facilitate a platform for South Sudanese to come together and talk,” she explained.
“President Ruto will update His Excellency on the progress of the initiative and chart the way forward.”
According to Ayuel, the Tumaini Initiative has garnered significant attention from South Sudanese citizens eager for updates.
In December 2023, President Kiir formally requested President Ruto to take over the mediation role from the Catholic community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, citing a lack of progress.
Since then, pre-talk consultations have been held in Nairobi, focusing on bringing the government and opposition groups to the negotiating table.
In March, President Ruto appointed General Lazaro Sumbeiywo as the chief mediator to facilitate negotiations.
On Tuesday, Ruto met with key actors in the peace initiative ahead of his meeting with President Kiir.
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