Concerns Raised Over High Level Mediation “Tumaini Initiative” for South Sudan

By Majur Chol Khor 

In a recent development concerning the ongoing peace process in South Sudan, concerns have been raised over the draft document produced by the mediators of the “Tumaini Consensus and Implementation Framework for a Permanent Constitution and Sustainable Peace for South Sudan”. The concerns were voiced by one of the Principals of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, PhD.

According to Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, there are several key issues with the Tumaini Initiative:

“The document does not recognize the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”

“It is apparent that the document is designed to replace the R-ARCSS.”

“In some sections, the Initiative establishes alternative institutions running parallel to those in R-ARCSS or existing national laws.”

Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon further emphasized, “The Tumaini Initiative has no power to amend the R-ARCSS. It is the Parties signatory to R- ARCSS, acting together, which have the power to initiate amendments.”

He added, “The Tumaini Initiative has deviated from its intended mandate of complementing the R-ARCSS by ensuring the inclusion of the non-signatories in its implementation.”

The concerns raised by Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon highlights the need for clarity and alignment in the mediation efforts for sustainable peace in South Sudan. The future direction of the Tumaini Initiative remains uncertain as stakeholders deliberate on the best path forward.

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