Somalia Part of South Sudan’s Mediation Talks in Nairobi

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: A delegation of Federal Government of Somalia officials led by prime minister Hamza Abdi Barre, is part of the ongoing South Sudan peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya.

The peace talks dubbed “The Tumaini Initiative”, is being moderated by Kenya’s president William Ruto and led by former Kenya Army Commander Lazurus Sumbeiywo, who also mediated the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 that paved the way for South Sudan’s independence.

Ruto, who launched the talks in Nairobi, said the mediation process is keen on ending conflict and political instability in South Sudan because it is inclusive and home-grown.

“This initiative exemplifies the pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative’ and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region, and the entire African continent,” he said in a statement issued by the presidency.

President Ruto lauded the progress made by the Transitional Government of National Unity, the Real-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and the South Sudan United Front in the mediation process.

He stated that Kenya stands ready to help end the cycle of conflict and instability in Sudan so that its people can achieve the peace and prosperity for which they have long struggled.

Inclusive Process

On his part, Prime Minister Barre noted that an inclusive peace process is essential if lasting peace and stability is to be achieved in South Sudan, saying the conflict, if not checked, could jeopardize the general peace for countries within the Horn of Africa.

The Prime Minister further praised the ongoing efforts to end the conflict and called upon all parties to work for the stability of the country and to embrace dialogue in resolving the dispute.

The launch of high-level meditation for South Sudan was attended by African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, and presidents of countries in the region, including Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia, and Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic, among others.

Kiir thanked Ruto for accepting the role of resolving the South Sudan process, saying he was hopeful that the mediation will yield positive results ahead of the country’s general elections later this year.

“We hope that the opposition groups have a similar conviction and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when fully achieved, will bring everlasting stability and economic development in the region, not just South Sudan.”

Sumbeiywo lauded regional and international partners for supporting the peace process. “After this launch, we plan to engage in sustained and continuous mediation to ensure a speedy and comprehensive resolution of the issues, so long as the parties go along with the plan.”