President William Ruto on Thursday hosted a crucial meeting with South Sudan’s Opposition Hold-Out Group in Nairobi, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to mediating a peaceful resolution to the country’s prolonged political impasse. The mediation process, which has been ongoing for the past 11 months, will now pause until March 2025 to allow for further consultations.
This adjournment follows a request by South Sudan’s government delegation, signaling the need for additional discussions to establish a viable framework for peace. President Ruto emphasized that Kenya remains dedicated to facilitating dialogue, ensuring that all parties involved have sufficient time to deliberate on critical issues affecting South Sudan’s political landscape.
The mediation efforts were initiated at the request of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who sought Kenya’s involvement in resolving the stalemate that has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and mounting security concerns. The Opposition Hold-Out Group, a coalition of rebel factions that refused to sign the 2018 peace agreement, has been pushing for more inclusive governance structures in South Sudan.
The delegation representing the Opposition Hold-Out Group was led by General Pagan Amum, a seasoned political figure and former Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Amum and his allies have continuously called for meaningful reforms, arguing that the existing governance model in South Sudan has marginalized significant portions of the populat
With the mediation process now on hold until March 2025, analysts believe that the coming months will be crucial in shaping the next phase of negotiations. South Sudanese stakeholders are expected to use this period to conduct internal consultations, refine their positions, and possibly build trust among opposing factions.
However, the delay raises concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The country continues to grapple with widespread displacement, food insecurity, and sporadic violence, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. International observers have urged both the government and opposition leaders to demonstrate political will and commitment to peace to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Kenya has positioned itself as a key player in regional peacebuilding efforts, leveraging its diplomatic influence to mediate conflicts in neighboring countries. President Ruto’s engagement in South Sudan’s peace process underscores Nairobi’s broader agenda of promoting stability in East Africa.
As the mediation process takes a temporary pause, the coming months will determine whether South Sudanese leaders can bridge their differences and lay the groundwork for lasting peace. The international community will be watching closely as March 2025 approaches, hoping that the next round of talks will yield tangible progress toward reconciliation and stability in South Sudan.
