The delays in resuming the peace talks are attributed to logistical and financial challenges, a government official revealed last week
By Emmanuel Mandella
The African Union (AU) has called on South Sudan to expedite its engagement in the Tumaini Initiative peace talks, warning that further delays could jeopardize the country’s constitutional review process and broader peace prospects.
Prof. Joram Biswaro, the AU Head of Mission to South Sudan, emphasized on the urgency of concluding the Kenya-led peace talks. He spoke at the recently held four-day workshop on fiscal federalism, organized by the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) 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 Prof. Biswaro, adding:
“We need to address the question in the discussion in Nairobi. I know the government delegation is yet to report to the Tumaini venue, which Presidents Salva Kiir and William Ruto wanted completed in two weeks.”
The Tumaini Initiative, launched on May 9, aims to resolve key differences between the South Sudanese government and holdout opposition groups. However, the talks stalled in July over disagreements on specific mechanisms.
The delays in resuming the peace talks are attributed to logistical and financial challenges, a government official revealed last week.
On Friday, Cabinet Affairs Minister, Dr. Elia Martin Lomuro in a press conference, stated that the government has approved the necessary arrangements and budget, but Senior Presidential Advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, who leads the 15-member delegation, was yet to meet with President Salva Kiir for further directive.
The holdout opposition groups have also voiced skepticism about the government’s commitment, citing inconsistencies in past agreements. Observers warn that the prolonged delay could deepen mistrust and further complicate the talks.
Further, Prof. Biswaro stressed that the success of the Tumaini Initiative is essential to achieving a permanent constitution for South Sudan.
“A delay to conclude the Tumaini Initiative would impact having a permanent constitution. Once the Tumaini is completed, it will easily be factored into the NCRC and other related matters in time,” he said.
The resumption of the talks follows a high-level meeting in Juba between Kenyan President William Ruto and President Salva Kiir earlier this month where both leaders reiterated the importance of resolving outstanding issues within the Tumaini framework to solidify peace in South Sudan.
“The African Union will continue to support the implementation of this agreement and its activities,” Prof. Biswaro assured.
As the resumptions of the Tumaini Initiative talks approach, many South Sudanese remain focused on the outcome of the discussions, with the resolution of the peace talks seen as a litmus test on the parties’ commitment to peace and their ability to foster unity in the nation.
“If the Tumaini Initiative fails, it will be a setback not just for South Sudan but for the entire region,” said Dr. Angelina Dut, a political analyst. “The government must act quickly to rebuild trust and show genuine leadership in this process.”
The talks, which were scheduled to resume earlier this month, and be concluded in two weeks, have failed to take-off, with the government delegation failing to appear in Nairobi, where the other main parties to the discussions- the holdout groups, are waiting for the talks.
Meanwhile, the mediators have urge for calm and optimism, trusting that the government wing will be at the talks in due course.
“Our mediation team has put in place all the necessary infrastructure to ensure smooth negotiations aimed at achieving the Tumaini consensus. All opposition leaders and stakeholders are present in Nairobi. We are simply waiting for the government delegation to arrive so we can formally open the session and move forward,” said Dr. Mohammed Ali Guyo, the Deputy Chief Mediator of the Tumaini Initiative.
He called for patience as peace talks in Nairobi await the arrival of South Sudan’s government delegation.
“The African Union will continue to support the implementation of this agreement and its activities,” Prof. Joram Biswaro, the AU Head of Mission to South Sudan.