By Philip Buda Ladu
Over four South Sudanese opposition groups engaged in the Tumaini Initiative peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya have announced the formation of a unified coalition called, the United People’s Alliance (UPA).
The announcement, made on the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signing, aims to consolidate opposition efforts and intensify the push for peace and good governance in South Sudan, according to the group statement seen by this outlet.
The UPA comprises a number of key opposition factions, including the Real-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM), South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A), South Sudan United National Alliance (SSUNA), which includes the South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A), National People’s Movement (NPM), and Upper Nile People Liberation Front (UNPLF), and the National Salvation Front-Revolutionary Command Council (NAS-RCC).
In a declaration paper released on Thursday in Nairobi, the UPA stated its formation commemorates the CPA signing in 2005 and South Sudan’s subsequent independence in 2011.
The new political coalition calls on all South Sudanese citizens, other opposition parties, and stakeholders to unite and intensify efforts to achieve peace and good governance, citing the “immense suffering” of the South Sudanese people and the “relentless political instability” they attribute to the current government in Juba.
UPA painted a grim picture of the situation in South Sudan, stating the country is “in danger of disintegration” and “collapsing into chaos and disorder” due to “leadership failure.”
The umbrella of opposition political parties in Nairobi asserted that the country is facing multiple crises, including widespread hunger and disease, and accused the Juba government of inaction and obstructing peace efforts.
“Our people are yearning for peace while the corrupt regime in Juba keeps obstructing peace and holding onto power illegitimately through several senseless extensions,” the declaration paper stated.
The UPA outlined its ultimate goal as a “united, peaceful, just, and prosperous new South Sudan for all its citizens irrespective of clan, tribe, region, religion, or gender.”
UPA the new kid on the block of South Sudan’s political arena emphasized that they aspire to build a nation where all South Sudanese can live in peace and harmony.
As the formation of the UPA marks a significant development, it weighs in fresh thoughts in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan.
The Tumaini Initiative, under the auspices of the Kenyan government, is the latest attempt to bring the government and opposition groups to the negotiating table and parties to the talks claim it’s the last hope to bring sustainability into the country.
The consolidation of these opposition holdout groups formerly under the umbrella of SSOMA at the negotiating table but now under, the UPA could potentially strengthen their negotiating position and influence the trajectory of the peace process.