By Emmanuel Mandella

The Deputy Chief Mediator of the Tumaini Initiative, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Ali Guyo, has called for patience as peace talks in Nairobi await the arrival of South Sudan’s government delegation.

Speaking at a regular briefing session, Dr. Guyo assured stakeholders and the public that preparations for the negotiations are well underway, with the opposition leaders and other key stakeholders already in attendance.

“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,” Dr. Guyo stated.

He highlighted the critical role of international partners, who participated in discussions on leveraging political, diplomatic, and financial support for the process.

“Yesterday, we had a very fruitful engagement with international partners. Their involvement is essential, as we’ve seen in previous negotiations, such as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” he noted.

The delay in the government’s arrival has raised concerns among some stakeholders, but Dr. Guyo urged calm, stressing the nature of mediation as a process requiring adequate preparation from all parties. “There’s no cause for alarm. The government delegation will come. This is how negotiations work—it takes time and patience,” he reassured.

Calling for unity, Dr. Guyo appealed directly to the people of South Sudan to remain engaged and supportive of the peace process. “We want to appeal to South Sudanese to work with us, follow the process closely, and trust us as we strive to conclude this agreement. Patience is key in moments like these.”

The Tumaini Initiative aims to address unresolved issues and build consensus among South Sudanese stakeholders for lasting peace. As the government delegation’s arrival is anticipated, optimism remains high for a productive dialogue that could mark a turning point for the nation.