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Pagan Amum, the head of SSOMA (right) and Kuol Manyang, the head of government delegation greet at the venue of the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi. December 4, 2024. (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).
The Director of Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) is calling on the transitional government and United People’s Alliance to break the stalemate on positions and reach common ground to enable a peaceful resolution for the benefit of the entire country.
Ter Manyang Gatwech made the appeal as parties negotiating the Tumaini Initiative differed in their positions with the UPA maintaining that the process will produce a standalone agreement instead of being an annex to the 2018 peace deal.
The government team had proposed that the initiative be incorporated into the R-ARCSS while suggesting the inclusion of opposition groups in various mechanisms including RJMEC and CTSAM-VM, in a position paper to the mediators.
An Eye Radio journalist in Nairobi said negotiations are expected to resume on Tuesday, 28th January – with mediators expected to further encourage the two sides to reach consensus on their diverging positions.
Activist Manyang emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires a thoughtful approach that enables the government, the opposition, stakeholders, and members of the PCCA to negotiate in good faith.
He said South Sudan cannot afford to return to war, adding that all citizens are yearning for durable peace and security.
“Negotiation requires wisdom, understanding, active listening, and a commitment to promoting peace in society,” he said in a statement.
“How much longer will South Sudan endure unnecessary conflicts that obstruct crucial developmental programs, such as hospitals, roads, schools, and adequate housing, needed to compete on the global stage?”
The CPA director “requests that both the government and opposition demonstrate genuine commitment by translating their words into actions, enabling our country to experience peace like other nations in the region.”
“War is not an option; peace is the only choice. South Sudan is in desperate need of sustainable peace. Citizens cannot tend to their gardens to cultivate their livelihoods.”
He added that peace is essential for a country’s stability and prosperity as it fosters the development of robust institutions, healthcare systems, and education.
The high-level peace negotiation mediated by Kenya aims to bring onboard political and military groups which were not part of the 2018 peace agreement.
Formerly known as the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA), the opposition coalition re-branded to United People’s Alliance on 9th January 2025, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace agreement.
UPA comprises four groups namely; the Real – Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM), South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A); South Sudan United People Liberation Front (UNPLF); and National Salvation Front – Revolutionary Command Council (NAS-RCC) have decided to consolidate our unity.
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