Civil Society Leader Urges South Sudanese Leaders to Prioritize Peace Amid Tumaini Talks Stalemate

Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), addressed the ongoing challenges in the Tumaini peace talks between the Government of National Unity and opposition parties, particularly those not signatory to the recent agreement. In a statement released during a press briefing, Yakani called on President Salva Kiir and opposition leaders to resolve a critical disagreement hindering progress in the negotiations, specifically the issue of renegotiating the Tumaini protocols.

Yakani emphasized that the current impasse arises from differing positions on whether to open the initial protocols for renegotiation. While the government advocates for revisions, the opposition firmly opposes the idea, creating a significant roadblock in the peace process. “This misunderstanding has emerged as a central issue during the rollout of phase two of the Tumaini peace process, which has already been suspended for two months,” he stated.

The civil society delegate outlined four key agenda items that parties must address to move forward: the relationship between Tumaini and access, the implementation structures and mechanisms, responsibility sharing, and the sequencing of elections. The contention lies primarily in the order of addressing these items, with the opposition favoring a focus on responsibility sharing before discussing the relationship with access.

As negotiations are suspended for the holiday season, Yakani urged leadership on both sides to maintain the spirit of dialogue and goodwill. “The primary responsibility for making Tumaini succeed squarely rests upon the shoulders of the President and the Vice Presidents,” he remarked, urging them to demonstrate a commitment to peace in their upcoming festive addresses.

He further cautioned that continued political infighting and the influence of “spoiler” elements within both the government and opposition threaten to undermine the peace process. “Political instability should not come at the expense of citizens, who suffer immensely,” Yakani stated, highlighting urgent issues the government must address, including the ongoing floods that have devastated communities.

Yakani concluded his remarks with a hopeful appeal for a message of unity and actionable plans from the President and opposition leaders to ensure stability and progress in South Sudan. He asserted, “If there’s any failure in maintaining stability, we will hold political leaders accountable.”