Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-28 17:14:43
President William Ruto has made a significant appointment in the South Sudan Peace Process by naming former military commander Lazarus Kipkirui Sumbeiywo as its leader. With over thirty-five years of military experience in Kenya, Sumbeiywo has also been involved in peacekeeping missions in Sudan on two separate occasions. Initially, he served as Kenya’s Special Envoy to the IGAD-led Sudanese peace process from 1997 to 1998. Later, he played a key role as a mediator in the peacekeeping forces in South Sudan from 2001 to 2005.
In addition to his military background, Sumbeiywo was a close aide to Former President Moi. Alongside this appointment, President Ruto also named Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo as the Assistant Mediator for the peacekeeping mediation in South Sudan. These appointments come following reports that a non-signatory group leader had expressed readiness to engage in negotiations with the government.
Initially, rebel groups had objections to President Ruto leading the talks as they felt they had not been consulted in moving the negotiations from Italy to Kenya. However, Deng Nyang Vanang Thonghe, the UDRM/A Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, expressed his group’s willingness to participate in the talks unconditionally. The decision was based on the understanding that political conflicts can only be resolved through peaceful means for sustainable peace in the country.
President Ruto was appointed to lead the mediation talks by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir. The process aims to maintain peace between the government and the Non-Signatory South Sudan Opposition Group (NSSOG). The willingness of the rebel groups to participate in the talks signifies a positive step towards resolving the conflicts in South Sudan.
The involvement of experienced individuals like Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Guyo highlights the commitment to achieving peace and stability in the region. Their leadership and mediation skills will be crucial in fostering dialogue and finding common ground between the conflicting parties. The support and endorsement of President Ruto and President Kiir signal a collaborative effort to address the root causes of the conflict and move towards a peaceful resolution.
As the South Sudan Peace Process progresses under the guidance of these appointed leaders, there is hope for a brighter future for the people of South Sudan. The willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiations paves the way for lasting peace and reconciliation. The international community is closely watching the developments in the peace process, hopeful that it will lead to a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflicts in South Sudan.
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