The United Peoples’ Alliance (UPA), a coalition of opposition outfits that participated in the Kenyan-mediated Tumaini (Hope) Initiative, which ended in an impasse last year, has said it is ready to participate in a Proposed Framework of Dialogue in Kenya.
The Kenya-led initiative seeks to revive efforts to stabilize South Sudan and prepare the country for long-delayed elections. South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence in 2011 but descended into civil war in 2013 following a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy, Riek Machar. A 2018 peace deal, formally known as the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, created a unity government but has faced repeated delays and only partial implementation.
A letter seen by Radio Tamazuj, dated 13 February 2026 and signed by UPA Chairman Gen. Pagan Amum, addressed to Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the Chief Facilitator of the Tumaini II Initiative, however, demanded the immediate freeing of political prisoners as a precondition for creating a favorable setting for the talks.
“The UPA is fully prepared to engage actively and constructively with all the South Sudanese stakeholders to build and reach a national consensus to rescue South Sudan from the imminent danger of disintegration and prevent a looming genocide,” the statement reads in part. “We have reviewed and officially accepted the proposed modality of dialogue, which prioritizes inclusivity and equal participation. Furthermore, we endorse the problem-solving approach as the essential foundation for our upcoming deliberations.”
“In this regard, we consider the immediate release of all political prisoners a necessary prerequisite for the creation of a conducive environment for dialogue, confidence-building, and meaningful participation by all stakeholders,” the statement added.
UPA said it remains committed to participating in this dialogue with pragmatism, patriotism, and goodwill.
“We stand ready to address the urgent issues facing our nation, including cessation of hostilities, civilian protection, stabilization of the country, unhindered humanitarian access, and transitional arrangements that chart a clear and irreversible path toward sustainable peace, good governance, and national renewal,” the statement said. “The UPA looks forward to working collaboratively under your facilitation to ensure this dialogue yields tangible and concrete outcomes in terms of peace, freedoms, and justice for the people of South Sudan.”
The Alliance further commended Kenyan President William Ruto and the Government of Kenya for the steadfast support to the people of South Sudan in mediating a peaceful resolution of the conflict in South Sudan and for facilitating this initiative for an inclusive, South Sudanese-led process, and for the continued commitment to promoting stability, democratic governance, and accountability in South Sudan.
“We also extend our sincere appreciation for the extensive effort your team has invested in developing a structured and inclusive platform aimed at advancing the South Sudan National Consensus Charter for Peace and Democracy,” the statement said.
The Kenyan mediation team has not publicly responded to UPA’s letter.
South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections, now scheduled for December 2026, citing incomplete security arrangements, the absence of a permanent constitution and logistical challenges.
The proposed National Consensus Charter Dialogue is the latest attempt by the region to break persistent political deadlock in the country, where violence, economic crisis and humanitarian needs remain widespread despite the 2018 peace agreement.