The “Tumaini” discussions, organized under the auspices of Kenya, between the South Sudanese government and opposition groups not signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, have been suspended. In particular, a disagreement between the different parties. Details.
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With our correspondent in Nairobi, Gaëlle Laleix
In Kenya, the “Tumaini” (“hope” in Kiswahili) peace talks are once again suspended. They are held in Nairobi and involve the government of South Sudan and armed groups not signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, with the mediation of the Kenyan authorities.
The South Sudanese government delegation says it must return to Juba for consultations. Nothing abnormal, according to Kenyan mediation, which assures that “ significant progress has been made “.
Another story, on the side of armed groups and opposition parties. Lual Dau, spokesperson for the South Sudan Alliance of Opposition Movements, considers the discussions to be at an impasse.
“ Some actors are too preoccupied with their own political designs »
The different parties had agreed on four areas of work: the relationship between the agreement currently being negotiated and that signed in 2018 (will the new text be a simple annex or will it replace the previous peace agreement?), the establishment of peace mechanisms, the sharing of responsibilities, and finally the calendar of future elections (since the December generals have been canceled).
But the government delegation has just brushed aside this agenda, according to the opposition. “ Some actors ruin everything because they are too preoccupied with their own political designs “, laments Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Organization for Progress and Empowerment. He calls for more responsibility. Discussions should resume in early January.
After several months of interruption, these negotiations resumed at the beginning of December, following the visit of Kenyan President William Ruto to Juba. They were expected to reach an agreement before Christmas.
Also listenAfrica, memories of a continent – South Sudan, story of an endless conflict despite independence
South Sudan is struggling to recover from a brutal civil war from 2013 to 2018 between forces loyal to Salva Kiir, the country’s current president, and his now deputy, Riek Machar. War that killed an estimated 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes.