President Kiir chats with opposition leaders Pagan Amum and Paul Malong in Nairobi. (-)

The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) has issued a statement urging all stakeholders in the Tumaini Peace Initiative to remain committed to the process and prioritize lasting peace for the people of South Sudan.

In a strategic three-day meeting held in Nairobi from December 16-18, 2024, civil society representatives from across South Sudan convened to discuss the ongoing peace talks and strategize for future interventions.

This gathering provided a critical platform to engage directly with the mediation team, stakeholders, and opposition groups, aiming to reaffirm the citizens’ collective call for peace, counter misinformation, and push for the swift resolution of key issues.

During the meeting, the SSCSF reflected on the progress of the peace talks and issued key messages to the government, opposition groups, the mediation team, and the international community.

The forum has underscored the importance of the Tumaini Peace Initiative in securing a peaceful future for the country.

The SSCSF commended South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir for his decision to seek regional support, particularly from Kenyan President Dr William Samoei Ruto, to create a more inclusive and people-centred peace process.

This initiative, they emphasized, is vital to addressing the deep-rooted challenges the South Sudanese people have faced due to prolonged conflict.

In a call to action for all involved parties, the SSCSF urged the government to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the peace process by prioritizing constructive dialogue, compromise, and adherence to previously signed agreements.

They also called for a clear, actionable plan to accelerate the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Addressing opposition groups, the SSCSF expressed appreciation for their patience and restraint, while urging them to remain committed to nonviolent political solutions and uphold international humanitarian laws.

The SSCSF also called for the involvement of holdout groups, such as General Thomas Cirilo and General Simon Gatwech, to ensure their meaningful participation in the peace process.

The SSCSF extended gratitude to the mediation team, particularly under the leadership of Rtd. Lt. General Lazaro Sumbeiywo, for their impartiality and professionalism.

They urged continued efforts to engage holdout groups and ensure all voices are heard in the pursuit of sustainable peace.

Furthermore, the SSCSF called on the international community to continue supporting the peace initiative, providing the necessary political, diplomatic, technical, and financial resources to ensure its success.

They also urged the people of South Sudan to embrace unity, support local peacebuilding initiatives, and condemn all forms of violence, including inter-communal clashes and cattle raiding.

The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to the peace process, emphasizing that the failure of the Tumaini Peace Initiative is not an option for the future of South Sudan.

The SSCSF remains dedicated to supporting the High-Level mediation and contributing to the creation of a peaceful and united South Sudan.