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Tumaini Initiative resumes in Nairobi

Author: Obaj Okuj | Published: January 21, 2025

File Photo: Tumaini peace delegates from the government, SSOMA, stakeholders, diplomats, and the international community pose for a group photo during the resumption of the second phase of the Tumaini peace process on December 4, 2024. Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio

The Tumaini Initiative aimed at resolving South Sudan’s prolonged instability and harmonizing fractured political actors resumed in Nairobi under the auspice of the Kenyan government, after it hit a deadlock last year over the initialed protocols.

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.

Deputy Chief Mediator Amb. Mohammed Ali confirmed that the talks have resumed following the arrival of the government delegation.

“The talks resumed this morning upon the arrival of the government delegation,” he confirmed to the media.

“So far, we have had two meetings, separate meetings between the mediation and the government, mediation and the opposition, as well as joint session this afternoon.”

“This is basically to deal with some housekeeping issues, in order to refocus the parties towards how we will resume and where we will resume from, and basically it is to focus on the draft framework which we developed towards the end of last year.”

The agenda includes four key issues outlined in a draft framework developed in 2024.

These include defining the relationship between the Revitalized Agreement and the Tumaini Initiative, addressing concerns about the structure and mechanisms of the process, responsibility sharing, and setting a date for the signing of the peace agreement.

Amb. Ali said the mediation team aims to ensure continuity and resolve procedural obstacles that previously caused delays, adding that both parties will now work on common areas of understanding and address points of contention.

Meanwhile, Lual Dau, the Secretary General of the opposition group now calling itself United People’s Alliance (UPA) expressed optimism about the process.

“The first day was very much a presentation by the mediation, welcoming us and encouraging us about the need to have peace and rescue plan for our people. The government delegation presented welcoming and open remarks about peace and the need for all of us to have peace as soon as we can.”

“On the other hand, the chairperson of UPA presented all our position that as the opposition group, we are approaching this peace with an open heart, with an open mind, because this peace, it is about our people.”

For his part, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and spokesperson of the government delegation, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, stated that they are prepared to present their position on the draft framework.

“In the morning [yesterday] we had a first session where the mediation welcomed us to Kenya. We also went on to define the approach, the methodology which they intend to apply in the course of the discussions depending on the issues which are on the table.”

“We listened very carefully and the interaction was cordial. Then this afternoon we had a second session where now we were united in mediation, the government delegation and the opposition.”

“In that session we are now confirmed that finally the government will be presenting its position, which position was denied for a long period of time. So we will be having our presentation tomorrow.”

The talks are expected to intensify in the coming days as both sides present their positions on the draft framework.

 

 

 

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