Substantial Progress in South Sudan Peace Talks in Nairobi

Substantial progress has been made in the ongoing peace talks held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. The talks, involving the South Sudanese government and various opposition groups, have reached crucial milestones that are expected to pave the way for durable peace and stability in the world’s youngest nation.

Albino Mathom, the special envoy to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and head of the delegation at the Nairobi peace talks, expressed optimism about the progress made. Speaking at a briefing in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, Mathom highlighted key areas of agreement, including trust and confidence-building measures, economic recovery and management, judicial reforms, transitional justice and accountability, a permanent ceasefire, and security arrangements and reforms.

“What we have agreed in Nairobi with the opposition is trust and confidence-building measures that is a protocol by itself, economic recovery and management which means we will have accountability in the economy,” Mathom stated. He added that humanitarian assistance and other pending issues are still under negotiation, with a final agreement expected soon.

The Nairobi talks, also known as the Tumaini (Hope) Initiative, are seen as a critical step in the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement aimed at resolving the conflict in South Sudan. Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Information Minister and a member of the negotiation team, underscored the importance of these talks in addressing the weaknesses and funding shortfalls that have hindered the implementation of the 2018 agreement.

Makuei revealed that the negotiators have identified weak institutions and lack of funding as major obstacles to progress. To address these issues, the Nairobi talks have proposed the formation of the Security Sector Reform Oversight Commission, which will include retired security officers to oversee the implementation of security reforms. Additionally, the National Transitional Committee (NTC) will be renamed the National Implementation and Oversight Mechanism to enhance performance in the security and governance sectors.

A new body comprising the donor community, regional blocs, and the South Sudanese government will be established to manage funds for the implementation of the agreement. The timeline and implementation matrix will be determined by President Salva Kiir and his deputy.

The initiative for the Nairobi talks began in December 2023, when President Salva Kiir requested his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto, to assume a leading role in mediating the peace talks. This move reflects the urgency and commitment of the South Sudanese leadership to expedite the peace process and rebuild the nation after years of conflict and suffering.

As the negotiations continue, there is a growing sense of hope among the South Sudanese people that a final peace deal is within reach, bringing an end to the prolonged conflict and opening a new chapter of peace, stability, and development for South Sudan.