- President William Ruto announced a suspension of South Sudan peace talks until March 2025.
- The decision follows a request from the South Sudan government for further consultations.
- The mediation, led by former Kenyan Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo, has been ongoing for 11 months.
- Talks aim to resolve the political stalemate fueling South Sudan’s humanitarian and security crisis.
- Stakeholders hope the pause will lead to a sustainable peace agreement.
Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the suspension of the mediation process between the South Sudan government and the Opposition Hold-Out Group. The negotiations, which have been underway in Nairobi for nearly a year, will resume in March 2025.
Ruto made the announcement on X after meeting with key opposition figures, including General Pagan Amum, Generals Paul Malong, Stephen Buoy, Mario Lada, Mr. Lual Dau, and Dr. Cirinho Hiteng.
“The mediation process that has been going on in Nairobi adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward,” Ruto stated.
Why the Suspension?
The decision to suspend the talks came at the request of South Sudan’s government delegation, which sought more time for internal consultations. Kenya has been hosting the negotiations at the request of South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who hopes to resolve the ongoing political impasse.
The mediation efforts, aimed at easing tensions in the war-torn nation, have been overseen by former Kenyan Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo since April 2024. Sumbeiywo, who played a crucial role in brokering the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011, will remain chief mediator until June 30, 2025.
Hopes for a Lasting Solution
The peace talks initially began under Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei before Sumbeiywo took over. Ruto has expressed confidence in Sumbeiywo’s ability to guide the negotiations towards a peaceful resolution.
Stakeholders remain hopeful that the pause will allow both sides to refine their positions and work towards a lasting settlement to South Sudan’s political and security crisis.
