Civil society leaders from Kenya have expressed strong support for the Tumaini Initiative, a new peace process aimed at resolving the protracted conflict in South Sudan. The initiative, which seeks to restore stability and hope in the war-torn nation, has been endorsed by a diverse group of Kenyan civil society organizations (CSOs) in a solidarity statement issued at Ufungamano house on Monday.
The statement, signed by representatives from various Kenyan CSOs, praised Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of South Sudan, for initiating the Tumaini Initiative. The South Sudanese opposition leaders’ willingness to engage in peace negotiations was also commended. The Kenyan civil society leaders further acknowledged the role of Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, for hosting and facilitating the peace talks.
The Kenyan civil society called on President Ruto to enhance support for the Tumaini Initiative and urged him to involve the regional and international community to ensure the initiative’s success. They emphasized that Kenya cannot achieve peace in South Sudan alone and highlighted the need for broader support.
Reflecting on the past, the statement recalled Kenya’s role in the 2005 mediation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. The Kenyan CSOs reiterated their ongoing commitment to supporting peace efforts, citing past contributions such as involvement in the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RACRSS) and support through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The statement expressed pride in Kenya’s leading role in assisting South Sudan and emphasized the region’s and continent’s shared hopes for peace and development. However, it acknowledged the current challenges facing South Sudan, including political crises, economic instability, and climate change, which have exacerbated the humanitarian situation.
Addressing the challenges of the Tumaini Initiative, the Kenyan civil society leaders urged South Sudanese leaders to respond sincerely to their people’s needs and make necessary compromises for peace. They stressed the importance of silencing the guns to allow for honest dialogue and a peaceful political process.
In a show of solidarity, the South Sudanese civil society delegates attending the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi expressed gratitude for the support from their Kenyan counterparts. They highlighted the severe impact of the 11-year conflict on South Sudan, including political instability, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises. They underscored the urgent need for peace and thanked the Kenyan civil society for organizing the solidarity press conference.
The South Sudanese delegates reiterated the Tumaini Initiative’s goal of achieving inclusive and lasting peace, laying the groundwork for a stable, just, and prosperous South Sudan. They welcomed the solidarity expressed by Kenyan CSOs and appreciated their commitment to supporting peace efforts in South Sudan.
The Kenyan civil society urged the mediation team, led by (Rtd) Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo and supported by IGAD and the Community of Sant’Egidio, to ensure that the peace process remains inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the South Sudanese people’s hopes and aspirations. They emphasized the crucial role of civil society in the negotiation process and the long-term rebuilding of South Sudan.