Dr Ayak Chol Deng – a representative of the civil society forum at Tumaini talks during an interview with Eye Radio in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, December 13, 2024. Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio

A civil society activist in the Tumaini initiative is urging a renewed focus on building trust and confidence between the new government delegation and the opposition to ensure the success of the Kenya-led South Sudan peace talks.

This call comes after delegates were housed in separate hotels, unlike previous arrangements.

Dr Ayak Chol Deng – a representative of the civil society forum – says the parties should trust each other and commit themselves to the peace process.

She said the stakeholders are in the best position to hold consultations and open safe spaces for both parties to discuss their issues in an honest manner.

According to her, if the government delegation is in the same venue as the opposition, it would help in bridging the gaps.

“In the previous talks, we were all in one hotel, even when the teams were relocated here, the government delegation was in residence in the same hotel,” Dr Yak said.

“Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were together, we met in the corridors, we had official conversations, but also informal social conversations,” she said.

“We had Sunday prayers together, and at some point, we had a book launch where we had all delegations come, one of the oppositions also invited all the delegates to his house for lunch, I think multiple times,” she stated.

“In terms of trust and confidence building, I think there is a need to bring back what we were doing then, being present for Sunday prayers where the South Sudanese community in Kenya join the prayers together with us and where we socialize and get a feel of also what the citizens in Nairobi want as their aspirations for peace,” she concluded.

According to stakeholders, the chief mediator, Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo delivered a briefed message this morning from President William Ruto to all delegations at the Tumaini Peace Initiative that there will be no adjournment.

The President directed the Mediation to provide a middle ground/compromise position for the parties, adding that there may be a Christmas break if all is not finalized.

The Mediation has this morning consulted with the RTGoNU delegation, Opposition and currently with the Stakeholders.