Exciting developments are underway in South Sudan as the government and select opposition groups engage in consultative meetings with Kenyan-led mediation to explore the resumption of inclusive peace talks.
Sources revealed to Radio Tamazuj that a faction of rebel groups attended talks in Rome to discuss the possibility of reentering peace negotiations. The National Salvation Front, South Sudan National Movement for Change, and National Democratic Movement-Patriotic Front are among the groups participating in these talks facilitated by the Community of Sant’Egidio and Kenyan mediation.
The ongoing discussions in Rome focus on briefing the holdout group on Tumaini Initiative progress and making the peace process inclusive. A senior official confirmed the talks, highlighting the government’s efforts to use Tumaini as a bridge for extending its tenure.
President Salva Kiir requested Kenyan President William Ruto to take over the mediation, expressing dissatisfaction with the prolonged talks under Sant’Egidio. Kenya has been hosting peace talks since May, with some opposition factions unconditionally joining but others, including NAS and NDM-PF, remaining skeptical.
The journey towards peace in South Sudan continues, with ongoing efforts to bring all stakeholders to the negotiating table for a comprehensive resolution.