In the current context where peace remains fragile, the progress of the peace talks in South Sudan is receiving particular attention. Despite the signing of the Revitalized Agreement of 2018, some opposition groups that did not adhere to the agreement are currently involved in the ongoing negotiations in Nairobi.
The civil conflict that tore the country apart for five years, causing the tragic loss of more than 400,000 lives, is still fresh in the memory. The Tumaini talks, which began in May, have encountered obstacles, including the dismissal of the previous government delegation by President Salva Kiir. Despite the appointment of a new team, delays have prevented its effective presence in Nairobi on two occasions, without official explanation.
Reiterating a month ago that the ongoing talks were not intended to replace the 2018 Peace Agreement, President Kiir stressed that they were intended to address the concerns of dissident groups and integrate them into the peace process. However, the full implementation of the Agreement has eluded progress, while national elections scheduled for December 2024 have been postponed until 2026, extending the country’s transition period.
These historic elections for South Sudan provide a critical opportunity for the country to consolidate its democracy and strengthen political stability by allowing its people to freely express themselves. As peace talks progress, the future of South Sudan remains uncertain, but there is hope for a peaceful resolution if all stakeholders genuinely commit to working together for a better future for their nation.