By Matik Kueth
On Monday, Ramadan Abdallah Goc, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Presidential Envoy, flew to Nairobi, Kenya to deliver a special message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit to Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto.
This critical diplomatic engagement occurred amid mounting concerns over the Tumaini Peace Initiative, a vital peace process aimed at promoting regional stability and discussion in East Africa.
The Tumaini Peace Initiative, which is expected to play a critical role in resolving regional problems and promoting peace among neighboring countries, has encountered unexpected delays.
Originally set for earlier this year, the initiative was postponed due to extra consultations as South Sudan’s government tries to coordinate its approach with important regional stakeholders.
President Kiir’s government remains dedicated to ensuring that the initiative’s structure is broad and actionable. In light of these challenges, the delegation requested further consultations with Kiir to fine-tune South Sudan’s policy and increase its role in regional peacekeeping efforts.
President Kiir’s leadership remains committed to these talks, with the government eager to handle any delays constructively and focus on long-term peace for South Sudan.
Goc and President Ruto pose for a photo following the meeting at the state house in Nairobi on Monday [photo: Courtesy]
Over the weekend, a government delegation to the Tumaini Initiative, led by Gen. Kuol Mayang, returned to the capital, Juba, after their diplomatic mission in Nairobi.
They requested a temporary adjournment to consult with their leadership in Juba, as talks are expected to resume in mid-January 2025. The delegation clarified that the peace talks were not adjourned but rather requested a temporary pause for consultations with President Kiir.
Puot Kang Chol, deputy head of the government delegation, dismissed speculations that the Tumaini Initiative had collapsed, arguing that the adjournment does not indicate a breakdown in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Guyo, the Tumaini Initiative’s deputy chief mediator, stated that mediation efforts had reached a consensus on four critical agenda items, including the relationship between Tumaini Initiative protocols and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
He noted that the mediation team has also drafted a single negotiating framework titled “Draft Framework for the Tumaini Complement to R-ARCSS,” designed to reconcile these agreements.”
“This framework integrates all positions submitted by the parties, creating a solid foundation to move forward with political goodwill and a shared commitment to peace,” Amb. Guyo said, adding that, “the people of South Sudan deserve unity, stability, and development.”
The diplomatic exchange between South Sudan and Kenya exemplifies the two countries’ close connections, showing their shared commitment to peace and stability in East Africa.
President Ruto’s cordial acceptance of Minister Goc’s message indicates the significance of ongoing regional cooperation, despite setbacks in the Tumaini initiative.