By Bosco Bush
Other stakeholders in the Tumaini Peace initiative for South Sudan are urging the parties to embrace the spirit of collaboration and find an amicable way to reach a consensus so as to pave the way for success.
Negotiations for the peace initiative were relaunched yesterday afternoon with all stakeholder’s remarks emphasizing the need to strike a desired outcome in the talks.
Delivering her speech on behalf of the other stakeholder delegates, Prof. Pauline Riak urges all delegates to collaborate with unwavering commitment to a just resolution.
She acknowledges some challenges may arise during the discussions – which should not be allowed as a stumbling block in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.
“We urge all delegates to approach these talks with collaboration and an unwavering commitment to a just resolution. Challenges will arise, but failure of this process is NOT an option. Therefore, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan for all,” said Prof. Pauline Riak.
The role of the Stakeholders is to ensure the peace process remains inclusive, transparent and grounded in the aspirations of the people.
“We are not just negotiators—we are advocates for the millions who suffer in silence,” she said, adding “we commit to meaningful participation, citizen engagement, and ensuring their voices shape this process.”
After halting nearly five months, the Tumaini Initiative—a process aimed at achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan—resumed on December 4, 2024, in Nairobi.
The renewed talks, hosted in the Kenyan capital, involve the transitional government of national unity and non-signatories to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. The discussions aim to address the ongoing conflict and pave the way for lasting peace in the nation.
Although relatively calm has returned to the country after the signing and implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, persistent challenges continue across the country; hunger, economic decline, communal violence, killings, armed insurgency, absence of rule of law, and continued displacement in many parts of the country.
Civil servants remain unpaid, and many diplomatic missions have either closed or are on the verge of closing due to a lack of financial support for the missions.
Tumaini peace initiative, many civil society activists said will be the catalyst for lasting peace and prosperity in South Sudan.