UNMISS welcomes resumption of Kenya-led peace talks

December 5, 2023 (NAIROBI) – The United Nations in South Sudan (UNMISS) has welcomed the resumption of peace talks in Kenya between the Juba government and opposition groups.

While speaking at the opening of the Kenya-mediated Tumaini Initiative on Wednesday, the UNMISS Deputy Special Representative-Political, Guang Cong commended South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto for reconvening the talks.

“We commend President Kiir and President Ruto for their exemplary leadership in reconvening the talks. We noted the two leaders’ repeated calls to conclude the talks expeditiously, which resonate with the aspirations of the South Sudanese people,” said Guang.

“We welcome the recommencement of talks of this important initiative. I extend my deep appreciation to the Secretariat and all participants for your dedication and patience over the past seven months and for your steadfast commitment to achieving lasting peace in South Sudan,” he added.

Guang, who spoke on behalf of the Special Representative Nicholas Haysom, also commended the South Sudanese delegations for coming to these talks with a commitment of open hearts and minds.

“This spirit of openness is essential for the success of discussions here. It is imperative to note that the regional and international community’s confidence and support for the Tumaini Initiative can only be secured through demonstrable progress and collective commitment from all participants,” he stated.

The UNMISS official remained delegates of how much South Sudanese long for peace dividends, stressing that a successful conclusion to these discussions is needed for the sake of the citizens.

“We encourage the inclusive participation of all voices in the Tumaini process. To achieve durable peace and good governance, the perspectives of civil society, women, youth, persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups must be integral to the Tumaini Consensus document,” he said.

Guang reaffirmed the full commitment of UNMISS and the United Nations to support the ongoing efforts to achieve durable peace in South Sudan.

The Tumaini Peace Initiative, which was launched on May 9, 2024, in the Kenyan Capital Nairobi, is a high-level mediation for the conflict in South Sudan by incorporating all the holdout groups that have not signed the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

(ST)