By Deng Ghai Deng
President Salva Kiir Mayardit made a heartfelt appeal to opposition groups during a critical meeting on Wednesday, urging them to prioritize peace and unity above all else in the Tumaini peace initiative negotiations.
The meeting, held in Nairobi, aimed to bring both government and opposition delegations together to forge a path toward stability in South Sudan.
In his address, President Kiir stressed the importance of putting the needs of the South Sudanese people at the forefront of the discussions.
“President Kiir underscored the critical importance of placing the interests of the people first in order to foster lasting peace and move the country forward towards stability and prosperity,” read a statement released by Office of the President.
“He [Kiir] emphasized that unity and a shared commitment to peace must be the guiding principles in the ongoing negotiations to ensure a brighter future for all South Sudanese citizens.”
The peace talks, which have been ongoing for three months in Nairobi, are facilitated by General Lazarus Sumbeiywo, a seasoned mediator with extensive experience in conflict resolution.
Despite the complexities of the negotiations, recent developments have been promising, according to officials involved in the discussions.
As the mediation team continues to work towards a resolution, the emphasis remains on achieving a durable peace that will lead South Sudan toward stability and prosperi