CEPO Urges Immediate Action on TuMAINI Declaration of Commitment for South Sudan Peace

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) is calling upon the parties signatories to the Declaration of Commitment to the TuMAINI (HOPE) Initiative for South Sudan to operationalize their commitments without delay. CEPO emphasizes that certain commitments within the declaration only require pronouncement, urging immediate action towards achieving peace and stability in the nation.

Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, commended the signed Declaration of Commitment, stating that if fully honored and implemented, it could significantly impact South Sudan’s journey to lasting peace. 

“We will be effectively tracking and reporting on the respect and enforcement of the Declaration of Commitment starting from May 18, 2024. The parties must walk the talk and demonstrate their commitment immediately,” Yakani expressed.

CEPO respectfully appeals to H.E. President to enforce Commitment Number 2 by issuing state directives referencing previous presidential mandates and resolutions addressing civic and political spaces, as well as freedom of expression and assembly. This move is seen as crucial in rebuilding trust among the signatories and potentially inspiring non-participating parties to join the Nairobi peace talks, as highlighted by Mr. Yakani.

In a final plea, CEPO encourages South Sudan’s political elites to embrace dialogue as the primary tool for resolving grievances, rather than resorting to conflict. The organization stresses the importance of political compromises, such as the release of detained activists and fostering forgiveness and reconciliation to pave the way for genuine dialogue towards long-term peace and stability in the country.

The call for immediate action on the TuMAINI Declaration of Commitment underscores the urgency and collective responsibility required to bring about real change and sustainable peace in South Sudan.