A new round of peace talks aimed at ending South Sudan’s political deadlock will begin on February 9 under a Kenyan-led initiative, according to a three-page framework document seen by Radio Tamazuj.
The talks, called the “Tumaini Initiative,” aim to produce a “National Consensus Charter for Peace and Democracy” within four weeks.
The initiative acknowledges the “persistent challenges and outstanding implementation gaps” under the 2018 peace agreement, known as the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
It seeks to shift negotiations towards “problem-solving rather than articulating fixed positions,” the document says. Discussions will be guided by a draft charter based on existing agreements and South Sudan’s constitution.
Kenyan President William Ruto will act as the “Principal Facilitator,” working closely with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to ensure “sovereign ownership, national legitimacy, and effective political anchoring” of the talks.
The initiative is premised on the belief that “South Sudanese leaders are fully aware of both the challenges confronting the country and the solutions required to resolve them.”
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African regional bloc that has overseen previous peace efforts, will play “an integral part” in the Kenyan-led initiative, in line with resolutions agreed by the two presidents in Juba in November 2024.
Participants will include South Sudanese political leaders, women leaders, faith and traditional leaders, and representatives from civil society.
The proposed Charter will focus on pre-election priorities, including an immediate cessation of hostilities, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance, trust-building measures, aligning the charter with the transitional constitution, and decisions on pre-election power-sharing.
It will also address the conduct of credible elections and post-election priorities, such as permanent constitution-making, transitional justice, durable solutions for displaced persons, security sector reform, and the unification of forces and disarmament (DDR).
The Tumaini Initiative will coordinate with IGAD and seek support from international partners “for regional coherence and effective implementation,” the framework says.
Government sources told Radio Tamazuj that consultations with the office of the president on the new Kenyan initiative are ongoing, ahead of confirmation on the start of the talks.
“Yes, the Kenyan mediation has unveiled a framework document for the Tumaini Initiative, with peace talks set for February 9, but consultations are still ongoing,” one of the sources said.
The Tumaini Initiative was launched in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi in December 2023 at the request of President Kiir and with Kenya’s support. It aimed to reinvigorate South Sudan’s stalled peace efforts by involving newly formed opposition movements, including the United People’s Alliance.
However, Juba claimed 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 any concrete resolutions. Initially hailed as a bold intervention by President Ruto to revive a faltering peace process following frustrations with the Italy-based Sant’Egidio talks, the Tumaini Initiative now appears to have collapsed under the strain of mutual suspicion and political infighting.
South Sudan is witnessing escalating fighting between government forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO fighters loyal to detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar in northern Jonglei state and other parts of the country.
International and regional peace monitors have warned of a return to full-scale war amid a weakening peace deal signed in 2018 to end the 2013–2018 civil war.