AU calls for prompt conclusion of Tumaini talks

The Head of Mission of African Union in South Sudan, Prof Joram Biswaro, has called on Juba to swiftly send their delegates to the Kenyan-led Tumaini Initiative talks with the holdout opposition groups.

Biswaro made the remarks during a four-day workshop organized by the National Constitutional Review Commission on Fiscal Federalism in Juba.

“A very critical point is the Tumaini Initiative. I believe that whatever conclusion in Nairobi would complement the activities of the constitution,” said the AU head.

“We need to address the question in the discussion in Nairobi. I know the government delegation is yet to report to the Nairobi Tumaini, which presidents Salva Kiir and William Ruto wanted completed in two weeks,” he added.

Prof Biswaro said a delay to conclude the Tumaini Initiative would impact having a permanent constitution in South Sudan.

“I would appeal that they (government delegation) go to the Tumaini in Nairobi. Once the Tumaini is completed, it will easily be factored into the NCRC [National Constitutional Review Commission] and other related matters in time,” he stressed.

“NCRC is expected to deliver its activities much earlier than the 18 months that were put in,” he said.

Biswaro said AU was ready to support the peace process.

“The African Union will continue to support the implementation of this agreement and its activities,” he concluded.

Since its formation weeks ago, the newly reconstituted 15-member South Sudan government delegation headed by Senior Presidential Advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk has delayed reporting to the peace talks venue in Nairobi.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr Elia Lomuro stated that the required arrangements and budget had been approved by relevant authorities and that Gen. Kuol is scheduled to present the final budget to President Salva Kiir for approval.

The decision to resume the talks follows a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and President Salva Kiir in Juba on 6 November.

After the meeting, Kiir and Ruto announced that discussions on the outstanding issues of the Tumaini (hope) Initiative between the Government of South Sudan and the holdout opposition groups will resume in Nairobi.

The Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative, which began on May 9, suffered a setback in July when some parties raised concerns over specific mechanisms.

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