The government of South Sudan and rebel opposition groups have taken a significant step towards peace by signing a 'commitment declaration' during high-level mediation talks in Kenya. This development is seen as a crucial move in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in South Sudan, which has had a devastating impact on the country's economy.
Although the specific details of the agreement were not disclosed during the signing ceremony, the event was attended by diplomats and representatives from civil society groups. Notably, the rebel opposition factions that signed the declaration were not part of the 2018 agreement that brought an end to South Sudan's five-year civil war, a conflict that resulted in the loss of 400,000 lives and the displacement of millions.
The commitment declaration signed in Kenya has been described as a 'first milestone' in the mediation talks, with both sides expressing their dedication to ending the violence and hostilities that have plagued the nation. The talks, known as the Tumaini Initiative, were launched a week ago and are being led by former Kenyan army commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo.
South Sudan, which is scheduled to hold elections in December, continues to face political fragility due to the incomplete implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. Additionally, conflicts and violence persist in various parts of the country, driven by ethnic and political differences.
