Deputy Chief Mediator, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo expressed optimism about the ongoing Tumaini peace talks in Nairobi, emphasizing the readiness of all parties to work towards lasting peace

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi has entered a critical phase with the arrival of the South Sudan government delegation, signaling renewed efforts to resume the peace talks, which had been on hold for some time.

Deputy Chief Mediator, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo expressed optimism about the ongoing Tumaini peace talks in Nairobi, emphasizing the readiness of all parties to work towards lasting peace.

“We are very, very happy indeed that the government delegation has arrived, and we welcome them to Nairobi and the Tumaini Initiative,” said Ambassador Guyo, highlighting the importance of this development in fostering dialogue.

According to Guyo, the peace process is meticulously structured, and the government delegation will undergo initial consultations to align them with the outcomes of previous discussions and the broader mediation agenda.

These consultations, scheduled to begin on Saturday, will be led by Chief Mediator General Lazarus Sumbeiywo and will involve one-on-one meetings with Gen. Kuol Manyang, the head of the government delegation, to ensure strong coordination.

The consultations aim to refresh memories, provide leadership insights, and prepare the government team for a broader dialogue with opposition groups and other stakeholders.

“In fact, the process has started with the arrival of the government delegation, followed by consultations and then the official opening for the world to hear and see that the talks have begun,” said Ambassador Guyo.

The Tumaini Peace Initiative is operating under a two-week timeline set during a meeting between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Kenya’s President William Ruto in Juba, and the two leaders provided a clear roadmap, emphasizing the urgency of concluding negotiations within this period.

“These tasks can be completed within this short time, it’s about packaging, putting loose ends together, and ensuring everyone is happy before announcing the date for the signing of the agreement,” he noted.

Also, he confirmed that Chief Mediator Gen. Sumbeiywo plans a nationwide tour to popularize the agreement once it is signed, aiming to ensure grassroots support and understanding. The approach mirrors his successful outreach during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended Sudan’s second civil war.

The success of the Tumaini Peace Talks could mark a turning point for South Sudan, bringing much-needed stability, economic revival, and societal cohesion. A deal between the government and holdout groups is projected to reduce violence, enable humanitarian access, and create an environment conducive for nationbuilding.

Ambassador Guyo appealed to South Sudanese citizens to remain hopeful and actively support the peace process.

“Tumaini means hope in Kiswahili, and the arrival of the government delegation and the readiness of the opposition and stakeholders is already giving hope to the people of South Sudan. I appeal to everyone to pray for this process and follow it closely. No one should be left behind.”

On Thursday, President Salva Kiir met and discussed broadly with the newly restructured Government mediation team to the Nairobi Tumaini Peace Initiative, urging them to engage and dialogue with the non-signatories to the 2018 peace agreement and to seek for a potential breakthrough to consolidate sustained country’s efforts on lasting peace in the country.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro revealed that the necessary arrangements have been completed for the team to meet with the holdout groups in Kenya this week and jump-start negotiations with renewed momentum as per the directives.

President Kiir emphasized that the goal is to return with a comprehensive peace plan that ensures sustainable stability for the nation ahead of the slated polls in 2026.

Previously, the government delegation had failed to turn up for the Nairobi meetings twice, and the current visit could unlock the peace talks, which had taken some time, as a key party to the negotiations withdrew citing various reasons.

“Tumaini means hope in Kiswahili, and the arrival of the government delegation and the readiness of the opposition and stakeholders is already giving hope to the people of South Sudan,” Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo, Deputy Chief mediator, Tumaini Initiative.