The government delegation led by Senior Presidential Advisor, Kuol Mayang Juuk landed in Nairobi on Saturday ahead of the talks with a commitment to achieving peace this time.
By Emmanuel Mandella
The Tumaini initiative is due to resume today in Nairobi after the session was called off last year due to the government delegation’s request to return to Juba for consultations.
The government delegation led by Senior Presidential Advisor, Kuol Mayang Juuk landed in Nairobi on Saturday ahead of the talks, with a commitment to achieving peace this time.
“I am telling our people, the viewers, that we are serious. We want to discuss this with these people. And if they are serious then we will make peace,” Kuol told the media before departure at Juba International Airport.
“We need peace. Our country needs peace. Everyone needs peace. That is why President Salva Kiir appointed me to lead this team,” he said.
Kuol acknowledged the complexity of negotiations, drawing parallels to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) talks with Sudan.
“Negotiations cannot be done in one day. It takes days. It took a number of years when we were discussing with the Sudan government. We’ve been serious from the start and now we are going with the same spirit. We are not going to surrender. But we are going to convince our people that there’s no reason to remain outside. If they choose to oppose the government, they should register their political party, organize, and prepare for the 2026 elections. I hope we will convince them to return,” he explained.
Despite the optimism, there are still significant hurdles including security arrangements, power-sharing mechanisms, and the timeline for integrating opposition forces into a unified national army. Trust deficits between both sides and accusations of ceasefire violations further complicate the process.
However, a political analyst based in Juba commented on the stakes citing that “Tumaini is a critical platform, but without genuine compromise, it risks being another in a series of failed talks. Trust-building and clear implementation frameworks are essential.”
Also, some citizens have expressed mixed feelings about the renewed discussions.
“We have heard promises before but need action if they are serious. Let them prioritize the lives of ordinary people who have suffered enough,” said Sarah William, a resident of Yambio.
Meanwhile, James Solomon, a trader in Juba said: “If both sides think about our children and their future, there can be peace. We want schools open, roads built, and safety in our markets.”
The world watches closely as Tumaini’s talks unfold. While peace remains elusive, the firm stance of the government and the hopes of weary citizens keep the dream of a united South Sudan alive.
“We need peace. Our country needs peace. Everyone needs peace. That is why President Salva Kiir appointed me to lead this team,” said Senior Presidential Advisor, Kuol Mayang Juuk, before departing Juba for Nairobi.