Civil society leaders in South Sudan are hopeful that ongoing negotiations under the Tumaini Initiative might lead to sustainable peace. The talks, resuming in January 2025 and involving both the government and opposition, aim to address critical political issues and conflict causes. Activists express optimism about a constructive dialogue and a potential agreement to guide the country’s political transition.
Civil society activists in South Sudan are expressing optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations under the Tumaini (hope) Initiative, which aims to bring sustainable peace to the nation. These talks, taking place since January 20, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, are crucial for addressing the country’s enduring political and security crises.
The discussions involve the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU) and the opposition United People’s Alliance (UPA). After a brief hiatus due to conflicting views on the agreement’s nature, the parties resumed talks, focusing on establishing a viable framework for peace.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), expressed confidence in the negotiations. He noted that both delegations are now engaging earnestly and have already found common ground on several agenda items, including the relation between Tumaini and the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan.
Yakani highlighted that the negotiations have tangible goals, including addressing the conflict’s root causes and developing a clear implementation strategy. His projection is that Tumaini could complement existing agreements and facilitate a smoother political transition.
Bol Deng Bol, from INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), echoed these positive sentiments, noting that the delegations are now collaboratively addressing the conflict’s underlying issues. He emphasized the growing sense of responsibility among the negotiators, hoping for the inclusion of holdout opposition groups in the continued discussions.
The Tumaini Initiative is essential for reviving dialogue in South Sudan, a country plagued by prolonged instability and conflict. The process seeks to unify divergent political factions under a common goal of peace and negotiation. Analysis of the political landscape indicates that a collaborative approach involving both government and opposition is critical for sustainable solutions to deep-rooted issues affecting governance and security.
In conclusion, the Tumaini Initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for South Sudan to move towards lasting peace. With negotiations currently underway in Nairobi, optimism is growing among civil society leaders that this dialogue could address the fundamental causes of conflict. The commitment of both the government and opposition to engage in constructive discussions is a hopeful sign for the future of South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
