By Yiep Joseph
Leader of the umbrella of other political parties (OPP), Peter Mayen Majokdit, called for inclusion in the ongoing Tumaini Peace Initiative.
In an interview with this outlet, Mayen demanded participation in the talks, claiming neglecting signatories from 2018 from participating in the Tumaini is a violation.
“There is no need of excluding a party leader (OPP) who is signatory to the peace agreement from the ongoing Tumaini Peace initiative,” Mayen said.
“Do you want to include the holdout yet you are already excluding a party leader signatory to the peace agreement?” he questioned.
Mayen expressed that the umbrella of other political parties was disappointed with the extension; however, it remains committed to ensuring that the Tumaini peace achieved its purpose of inclusive peace.
“We were just disappointed with the extension, which was meaningless, and therefore for now we are working very hard so that there will be no more extensions,” he said.
He appealed to the Presidency to include his party in the ongoing negotiation, citing that the person representing the OPP in the going negotiation was handpicked and not signatory to the peace agreement.
The government delegation, led by Senior Presidential Advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, arrived in Nairobi with Hop to resume the talks.
The newly reconstituted 15-member delegation headed by Senior Presidential Advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk has delayed reporting to the peace talks venue since its formation weeks ago.
On November 8, the High-Level Mediation for Tumaini Peace Initiative announced the resumption of the peace talks between the South Sudan government and non-signatories to the 2018 peace agreement.
The discussion was expected to last for only two weeks, effective November 14, before a final deal is sealed.
This decision follows a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir in Juba.
The two leaders instructed the mediators to conclude the talks.
President Salva Kiir clarified during the 8th governor’s forum in Juba that the Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative is not intended to replace the 2018 peace agreement but rather complement it.
Kiir remark came at the time the agreement faces challenges, with some politicians viewing it as replacing the already signed 2018 peace agreement.
He said everlasting peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are included in the process.
“The Tumaini initiative is not about negotiating a new deal but seeking to bridge gaps and address concerns, ensuring inclusivity within the existing framework,” Kiir said.