South Sudan Civil Society Alliance Welcomes Resumption of Nairobi Peace Talks

In a significant development for South Sudan’s ongoing quest for peace, Mr. Debak Mabior Arok, Deputy Chairperson of the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance, expressed strong support for the resumption of the Nairobi peace talks. Speaking to reporters, Arok remarked, “First and foremost, I would like to commend and welcome the constituted government delegation and also the resumption of the Nairobi peace talks between the government and holdout groups.”

Arok emphasized the importance of including all military organizations and opposition groups in the discussions. “I would like to call upon the Government of National Unity to engage all military organizations and opposition that are currently outside the negotiations,” he urged, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive dialogue.

In his statement, Arok called for inclusivity in the ongoing discussions, stressing, “I call upon the latest team to ensure that the Nairobi peace talks are inclusive and not selective.” He expressed the hope that all voices would be represented, ensuring a fair and lasting resolution to the conflicts in South Sudan.

Reiterating the civil society’s stance, Arok remarked, “We welcome the Nairobi peace talks as a step to complement and build upon existing frameworks, rather than allowing them to become isolated agreements.” His words underscore the critical need for a cohesive approach to peacebuilding in the nation.

The Nairobi peace talks mark a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s journey toward stability, as stakeholders come together to address pressing issues and forge a path towards unity. As the discussions continue, the call for inclusivity remains paramount, with civil society players like Arok advocating for a peaceful future.

As leaders across the political spectrum convene in Nairobi, many South Sudanese citizens are expressing cautious optimism. The hope for a new chapter in governance remains palpable, as the country grapples with years of conflict, economic hardship, and social division. In an exclusive interview, civil society activist Amina Nyang noted, “While we applaud the efforts being made, it is essential that these talks prioritize the voices of ordinary citizens who have borne the brunt of this political turmoil.”

In preparation for the negotiations, the Presidency has organized outreach programs aimed at gathering public opinion on the key issues affecting various communities. This initiative will allow South Sudanese to contribute their perspectives on the challenges they face daily and the solutions they envision for a stable future. The feedback collected will be presented to negotiators in Nairobi, ensuring that the discussions reflect the collective will of the people.

International observers and regional leaders have also weighed in, urging both the government and opposition groups to seize this opportunity to build a more inclusive and representative political environment. The African Union’s envoy to South Sudan, Ambassador Chimimba David Phiri, stated, “The world is watching, and the responsibility lies with South Sudan’s leaders to display the commitment to peace that their people deserve.”

As talks commence, the Presidency has stressed the importance of transparency and accountability. To bolster trust in the negotiation process, the government has proposed regular public briefings where updates on the talks will be shared, as well as avenues for citizens to engage with their negotiators directly.

In the meantime, grassroots movements advocating for reconciliation and unity are gaining momentum, with many urging South Sudanese to remain vigilant and engaged throughout the negotiation period. These groups emphasize that it is not just the responsibility of politicians but of every citizen to foster a culture of peace and dialogue.

As the prospective timeline for concluding the Tumaini talks remains uncertain, the focus on collaborative dialogue signals a shift towards more inclusive governance. The hope now is that these discussions will lay the groundwork for genuine reforms and a commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict in South Sudan.

With preparations underway and various stakeholders mobilized, all eyes are on Nairobi as South Sudan aims to make significant strides towards lasting peace and stability. The coming weeks are critical, and calls for unity and reconciliation resonate well beyond the conference halls, echoing the desires of a nation in pursuit of hope and renewal.