President Salva Kiir and President William Ruto of Kenya. (PPU/Facebook)

Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed his acceptance to mediate peace talks between South Sudan government and the hold out groups.

Ruto said he accepted to request on December 25, 2023.

“I accepted the request of my brother President Kiir to host and conclude the remaining phase of the peace talks that have been going on between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out opposition parties in Rome, Italy, under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio.”

In a post on his official Facebook page Tuesday afternoon, the Kenyan Head of State said he had a phone conversation with President Salva Kiir.

Ruto said he explained to President Kiir on the steps his government has taken to realise this imperative.

According to him, upon receiving the President’s request, he reached out to the Community of Sant’Egidio, applauded them for hosting the talks, and invited them to work with his government to bring these talks to a fruitful conclusion.

He also said he personally reached out to all the hold-out opposition parties under the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance while expressing his desire to ensure an all-inclusive and equitable mediation.

Ruto said he was “encouraged that almost all the parties have responded positively to our call and Kenya is currently making the necessary arrangements to welcome the parties to Nairobi for pre-mediation consultations.”

He added that they invite all friends of South Sudan, including IGAD, the East African Community, the UN, the AU, the Quad and all Partner countries to support this noble effort.

Mr Ruto ended his remark saying ‘this is the time to give the people of South Sudan an opportunity to enjoy lasting peace and prosperity.”