Nairobi’s bid for inclusive South Sudan dialogue
Kenya is pressing for an inclusive set of peace talks in South Sudan, seeking to gather all parties and stakeholders into one process that could culminate in elections, according to diplomatic sources cited by Radio Tamazuj.
The proposal, sources said, would bring together the government in Juba and opposition groups, widening participation beyond a single negotiating channel while keeping the focus on an inclusive political settlement (Radio Tamazuj).
Tumaini Initiative returns as a consultative framework
Diplomatic sources said the idea was discussed during high-level talks in Nairobi in the presence of Tumaini Initiative Chief Mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo. The Tumaini Initiative was suspended in February last year (Radio Tamazuj).
“This is just a consultative phase for the dialogue that will reach all parties,” one source said, adding that invitations would go to actors in the R-ARCSS, Tumaini, the Rome process and other stakeholders. The same source said the government delegation confirmed readiness for talks (Radio Tamazuj).
Ruto meets Tut Gatluak as diplomacy intensifies
On Wednesday, Kenyan President William Ruto met South Sudan’s Presidential Special Envoy Tut Gatluak Manime at State House in Nairobi. The South Sudanese delegation included Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba (Radio Tamazuj).
In a State House statement after the meeting, President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing regional peace and security, framing stability as a foundation for shared prosperity across the region (Radio Tamazuj).
Election support and institutional preparedness in focus
During the same engagement, Ruto said Kenya was ready to support capacity building and institutional preparedness for South Sudan’s electoral agency ahead of elections scheduled for later this year (Radio Tamazuj).
He argued that strengthening electoral institutions is key to ensuring credible and peaceful democratic processes. Ruto presented the offer as part of a shared regional responsibility to promote stability, deepen democratic governance and safeguard peace (Radio Tamazuj).
Tut Gatluak delivered a special message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, highlighting continued engagement between Kenya and South Sudan on peace, security and political transition, according to the report (Radio Tamazuj).
Briefings with opposition figures tied to Tumaini
Separately, sources said a meeting was held with senior opposition officials who had been part of the Tumaini Initiative, with the aim of briefing them on the plan for inclusive talks (Radio Tamazuj).
This outreach, as described by the sources, reflects an effort to ensure that the renewed consultative phase engages actors from multiple tracks, including those previously involved in Tumaini-related discussions (Radio Tamazuj).
How the Tumaini Initiative evolved and stalled
Radio Tamazuj reports that the Tumaini Initiative was launched in Nairobi in December 2023 at President Kiir’s request and with Kenya’s support. It sought to reinvigorate stalled peace efforts by involving newly formed opposition movements, including the United People’s Alliance.
The same report notes that Juba stated in July last year that the initiative had legitimised rebellion and undermined a functioning peace framework. The Tumaini talks were adjourned for the third time on February 7, 2025, without concrete resolutions (Radio Tamazuj).
The initiative was initially portrayed as an attempt by President Ruto to revive a faltering process after frustrations around the Italy-based Sant’Egidio talks. Radio Tamazuj says it later appeared to have collapsed amid mutual suspicion and political infighting.
Security realities shaping the peace calculus
The report says South Sudan is witnessing escalating fighting between government forces, the SSPDF, and SPLA-IO fighters loyal to detained opposition leader Riek Machar, including in northern Jonglei state and other areas.
International and regional peace monitors have warned of a return to full-scale war, amid concerns that the 2018 peace deal signed to end the 2013–2018 civil war is weakening, according to Radio Tamazuj.
Regional mediation and the search for a workable track
Kenya’s proposal, as presented by diplomatic sources, points to a pragmatic attempt to align parallel peace efforts—R-ARCSS-related actors, Tumaini participants, and the Rome process—into a broader conversation that can carry political legitimacy.
For many young Africans watching the region, the key test will be whether inclusion translates into sustained commitment at the negotiating table, and whether institutional readiness for elections can be strengthened alongside security de-escalation (Radio Tamazuj).