Kenya's President William Ruto is set to meet South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the invitation of the latter to discuss the progress of the Tumiani peace initiative. This initiative was formed to mediate between the government of South Sudan and holdout groups who did not sign the 2018 peace agreement. President Ruto was entrusted by President Kiir to lead and guide the Tumiani initiative.
The Tumiani initiative, previously known as the Rome Peace talks, was supported by the Saint Egidio community but later shifted to Kenya due to the failure to reach a consensus with the parties involved. According to Presidential Press Secretary Lily Martin Manyiel Ayuel, President Ruto's visit aims to update President Kiir on the latest developments surrounding the initiative and inform the citizens of South Sudan about the progress.
During a press briefing in Juba, Lily Martin Manyiel Ayuel debunked rumors that the initiative had failed, stating that it was "ridiculous, preposterous, and uncalled for" to suggest that President Kiir had abandoned the Tumiani initiative. She emphasized that the visit will also help put to rest impressions and misinformation surrounding the initiative.
A High-Level Standing Committee from South Sudan, led by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro, met with President Ruto at the state house to convey President Kiir's message. This meeting was a precursor to President Ruto's visit, which aims to foster cooperation and coordination between the two countries on the peace initiative.
According to the official special media handle of Kenya's president, the Kenyan government will continue to support the Tumiani initiative, which aims to restore peace and stability in South Sudan. Kenya's President Ruto has been actively involved in regional peace efforts, and this visit is seen as a significant step towards achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict in South Sudan.
The 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan was signed by several parties, but some groups, including the holdout groups, did not sign the agreement, citing various concerns. The Tumiani initiative seeks to bring these non-signatories to the negotiating table and address their grievances. President Ruto's visit is expected to provide an update on the progress made so far and the way forward.
The meeting between President Ruto and President Kiir is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing the peace process in South Sudan. The two leaders are expected to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from the Tumiani initiative and explore ways to move the peace process forward. The outcome of the meeting is expected to have a significant impact on the future of peace efforts in South Sudan.
Key points
- Kenya's President William Ruto to update South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the progress of the Tumiani peace initiative.
- The Tumiani initiative aims to mediate between the government of South Sudan and holdout groups who did not sign the 2018 peace agreement.
- The Kenyan government will continue to support the Tumiani initiative to restore peace and stability in South Sudan.
