South Sudan Peace Talks Poised to Commence in Nairobi on May 10, 2024

Peace talks between the government of South Sudan and hold-out opposition groups are set to begin on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, following months of behind-the-scenes consultations. The talks, spearheaded by Kenya's former army commander Lazurus Sumbeiywo, aim to put an end to the perennial disruptions that have hindered the country's rebuilding process.

South Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since 2013, a mere two years after gaining independence from Sudan. Despite the signing of a peace deal in 2018, mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), several key opposition groups refused to participate, resulting in continued instability and violence in the world's youngest nation.

Why this matters: The success of these peace talks could have a significant impact on the stability of the entire East African region, which would also affect the global humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis. A comprehensive peace agreement could pave the way for increased international investment and aid, leading to improved living conditions for millions of South Sudanese citizens in the long run. The success of these peace talks could have a significant impact on the stability of the entire East African region, which would also affect the global humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis. A comprehensive peace agreement could pave the way for increased international investment and aid, leading to improved living conditions for millions of South Sudanese citizens in the long run.

The upcoming talks in Nairobi represent a significant step towards bringing these hold-out groups back to the negotiating table. Pagan Amum, leader of the Real Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), confirmed that their delegates have arrived in Nairobi and are currently engaged in pre-talk consultations. "We have been in discussion with the Kenyan authorities, and the talks will surely begin on May 10," Amum stated.

The South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) has also confirmed its participation in the talks. Spokesperson Garang Malual Deng indicated that the negotiations are likely to resume from where they left off during the previous Rome peace initiative. However, uncertainty surrounds the attendance of the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Thomas Cirilo, as no representatives from the group have been seen in Nairobi thus far.

While the agenda for the meeting has not yet been unveiled to the participants by the mediators, the talks are expected to align with the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for enduring peace and stability. A government delegation led by presidential envoy Amb. Albino Mathem has already arrived in Nairobi ahead of the talks, where they were received by Kenyan Presidential advisor on the Great Lakes region, Mr. Charles Keter.

The Nairobi peace talks serve as a follow-up to the Rome peace initiative, which previously brought together the South Sudanese government and opposition groups. However, the National Democratic Movement-Patriotic Front (NDM-PF) allied to Emmanuel Ajwain has rejected the Nairobi initiative, citing safety concerns and a lack of consultation in the shift from the prior Rome-based talks.

The appointment of Lazurus Sumbeiywo to lead the talks has been viewed as a positive development, given his successful mediation of the 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which helped set the stage for South Sudan's independence in 2011. Sumbeiywo expressed optimism about the upcoming negotiations, stating,"Our discussions with President Kiir were fruitful, and in the coming days, mediation might start. This is good news for the people of South Sudan because this country has suffered much and it should undertake and invest in its effort to develop its institution to enhance state and nation building.

The international community will be closely monitoring the progress made in Nairobi as talks commence. The success of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the stability and development of South Sudan, a country that has been plagued by conflict and humanitarian crises for far too long. The hope is that the Nairobi talks will pave the way for a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement, allowing the South Sudanese people to finally begin the process of rebuilding their nation.

Key Takeaways

• Peace talks between South Sudan's government and opposition groups to begin on May 10, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Talks aim to end perennial disruptions hindering the country's rebuilding process after 2013 civil war.
• Success of talks could bring stability to East Africa, increase international investment, and improve living conditions.
• Several opposition groups, including Real Sudan People's Liberation Movement, to participate in talks.
• Former Kenyan army commander Lazurus Sumbeiywo to lead talks, citing optimism for a comprehensive peace agreement.

Source: https://tr.im/politics/south-sudan-peace-talks-poised-to-commence-in-nairobi