Tumaini A Test of Political Attitudes and Commitment in South Sudan

The Tumaini initiative has emerged as a crucial test to measure the political attitudes and commitment of incumbent leaders towards fostering a genuine political transitional process in South Sudan. Over the past five years, the slow implementation of the transitional process has underscored the limited political commitment among the leaders in the government of national unity to transition from instability to stability.

Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has emphasized that President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar must demonstrate their primary responsibility in holding their subordinates accountable. This is especially crucial as certain actions indicate a lack of genuine interest in the political transitional process. The recent extension of the transitional period without a developed implementation matrix and the obstruction of the smooth conclusion of the Tumaini initiative are clear indicators of this limited commitment.

Yakani further warns that the failure of the Tumaini initiative would fall directly on the shoulders of the presidency, highlighting a concerning trend of actions that undermine rather than support successful political transitions in the country. Despite substantial time and funds allocated over the past five years for transitional processes, tangible results have been elusive, with reports of individuals misappropriating funds for personal gain under the guise of financing the transitional process.

Concerns have been raised by CEPO regarding the divisions among incumbent leaders, with a growing divide between pro-Tumaini and Anti-Tumaini groups potentially delaying the delivery of a genuine political transitional process. The extended timeline for the transitional period, with elections slated for December 2026, raises doubts about the likelihood of timely and effective transitions, hinting at a desire among parties to cling to power under the guise of transitional period extensions.