Absence of Women in South Sudan Delegation Raises Concerns at Tumaini Initiative Meeting

The absence of women representatives in a crucial government delegation meeting with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto has sparked significant concern among civil society organizations in South Sudan. Today’s meeting, which involved discussions on the Tumaini Initiative—a key effort aimed at fostering peace and political stability—was reported positively by President Ruto on his X media platform. However, the glaring omission of female representatives in the delegation has raised red flags regarding the implementation of affirmative action policies in South Sudan.

The high-level delegation, led by Hon. Minister Martin Elia Lomuro, met with President Ruto to relay a message from South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir regarding the progress made on the Tumaini Initiative. The Citizens for Peace and Justice Organization (CEPO) lauded the president’s encouraging remarks, hoping they would facilitate renewed momentum toward finalizing peace talks and developing an actionable political transitional framework.

However, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, voiced disappointment over the absence of women in the government delegation. “The photo taken at Kenya State House clearly shows no representation or participation from South Sudanese women,” Yakani stated. “This is not only disturbing but also a direct violation of the affirmative action stipulating a minimum of 35% women representation in decision-making processes as agreed upon in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”

The principle of women’s representation is enshrined in both R-ARCSS and the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, which emphasizes the importance of inclusion in governance. CEPO’s Status of Women Initiative has urged the South Sudanese government to ensure compliance in future meetings, calling for the enforcement of the 35% affirmative action mandate.

While it was noted that women were part of the delegation, their failure to actively participate in discussions contradicts the government’s obligations to uphold gender representation standards. CEPO argues that genuine implementation of the political transitional process requires true inclusivity and recognition of women’s roles in peacebuilding.

Yakani criticized the political elite for prioritizing personal or group interests over the welfare of citizens, which he believes has hindered progress in the country’s transitional process over the past five years. He called for a shift in political attitudes from “negative politics to positive politics,” emphasizing the need for genuine commitment to national stability and citizen well-being.

As the region’s heads of state prepare for ongoing discussions on the Tumaini Initiative, CEPO insists that South Sudan’s political leaders must prioritize the interests of their citizens, ensuring that women play an integral role in shaping the country’s future.