A key alliance of South Sudanese opposition groups has rejected a proposed peace framework spearheaded by Kenya, saying it risks legitimizing the country’s political status quo rather than resolving the root causes of its decade-long conflict, according to a document reviewed by Radio Tamazuj.
The South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), led by General Thomas Cirillo, said in a formal position paper dated Feb. 13 and addressed to Kenya’s chief mediator, Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo, that the proposed “National Consensus Charter Dialogue” under the Tumaini Peace Initiative was fundamentally flawed in both process and substance.
The Kenya-led initiative seeks to revive efforts to stabilize South Sudan and prepare the country for long-delayed elections. However, SSOMA said the framework was developed without sufficient consultation with South Sudanese stakeholders and appeared to predetermine both the agenda and the outcome of negotiations.
“The framework appears to predetermine the agenda, process and outcome,” the alliance said, arguing that it limits genuine dialogue and confines parties to “externally pre-set parameters.”
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.
SSOMA, which is not a signatory to the 2018 agreement, said the Tumaini initiative appears focused on improving implementation of that deal rather than addressing what it described as the “root causes” of the conflict, including governance failures, divisions within the security sector, impunity, land disputes and ethnic polarization.
The alliance warned that prioritizing elections without first resolving underlying political and security issues could worsen instability.
“Elections should be the outcome of peace, not a substitute for it,” SSOMA said, arguing that polls conducted amid insecurity, displacement and weak institutions would not produce lasting stability.
The group called for broad-based consultations involving political parties, civil society, faith leaders, women, youth, displaced communities and other stakeholders before any framework is finalized. It also proposed an inclusive roundtable conference aimed at negotiating a comprehensive peace agreement.
Among its recommendations, SSOMA called for the immediate and unconditional release of political detainees, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and his allies.
The alliance further urged that mediation efforts involve regional and international actors, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union, the United Nations and Western partners.
SSOMA said any peace talks should be held at a neutral venue agreed upon by all parties to ensure safety and prevent coercion.
The Kenyan mediation team has not publicly responded to the alliance’s position paper.
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.