Flag of the Troika countries. (Courtesy).

The international community including Troika countries have reiterated their support to the Tumaini Initiative following the extension of the transitional period for another two years.

They say the Nairobi peace talks should continue as it includes non-signatories to the revitalized peace agreement.

In his remarks in Juba Wednesday, US Ambassador to South Sudan said that the political leaders should take advantage of the Tumaini initiative and advance inclusive peace in the country.

Michael J Adler also encourages continuity of dialogue at the leadership in Juba.

“All South Sudanese political leaders should take advantage of every available opportunity to advance an inclusive and lasting peace, including through the Tumaini talks in Nairobi, and through leadership level dialogue in Juba,” said the diplomat.

Roar Haugsdal, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Republic of South Sudan has reiterated his country’s support to the Tumaini initiative.

He said they expect a positive engagement from the unity government in the Nairobi peace talks.

“Norway supports the Tumaini initiative because it presents an opportunity to create a conducive environment.

“We expect that the Tumaini initiative continues, and we also expect a positive engagement from the government.”

On his part, the UK Ambassador to South Sudan, Guy Warrington called on the unity government to engage all parties including those in the Tumaini initiative for lasting peace in the country.

“Democracy delayed is democracy denied, there is a need to engage all parties, including the non-signatories to build on the Tumaini process, and to demonstrate how this proposed extension would progress what in the past years we have failed to deliver,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in South Sudan believes the Tumaini can facilitate implementation of the peace agreement, underscoring why the EU continues supporting the process

“The European Union keeps supporting the Tumaini initiative as a means to facilitate the implementation of the peace agreement to which we remain committed”, Lothar Jaschke.

The Tumaini Initiative, which started on May 9th, 2024, in Nairobi, is a South Sudan peace talks between the government and the opposition parties who did not sign the 2018 peace deal facilitated by the Kenyan government at the request of President Salva Kiir.

Observers expect the South Sudan Mediation Process in Nairobi to come out with a framework of inclusivity, address the differences, and bring a clear way forward to enhance the current peace process.