President William Ruto has suspended the South Sudan mediation process in Nairobi until March 2025 upon the South Sudan Government’s request. This pause aims to facilitate further consultations. Lazarus Sumbeiywo has been designated as the chief mediator, recognized for his previous success in negotiating South Sudan’s peace agreements.
President William Ruto has announced the suspension of the Nairobi-led mediation process aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between the South Sudan government and the Opposition Hold-Out Group. This suspension will remain in effect until March 2025, a decision influenced by requests from the South Sudan Government delegation and designed to allow for further consultations that will aid future negotiations.
Following a meeting with the Opposition Hold-Out Group, Ruto communicated via X, stating, “Met the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan and agreed, at the request of the South Sudan Government delegation, that the mediation process that has been going on in Nairobi adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward.”
Since April 2024, former Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo took over as chief mediator in the negotiations. Ruto entrusted him with this role following significant experience in the region’s political dynamics, previously serving as Kenya’s Special Envoy on Sudan in 1997-1998.
During his appointment, Ruto acknowledged Sumbeiywo’s substantial contributions, recalling the pivotal role he played in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ultimately led to South Sudan’s independence. Ruto emphasized the importance of selecting someone with in-depth knowledge of the political landscape to lead ongoing mediation efforts effectively.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s suspension of the mediation process between the South Sudanese factions until March 2025 aims to create a conducive environment for further consultations. The appointment of Lazarus Sumbeiywo as chief mediator underscores a strategic approach to navigating the complex political dynamics in South Sudan, leveraging prior successful negotiations to address the current humanitarian and security challenges.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
