By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Peace talks between South Sudan's government and rebel groups kicked off in Kenya’s capital Thursday.
Kenyan President William Ruto, while speaking during the launch of the South Sudan mediation process at State House in Nairobi, said the initiative aims to achieve a breakthrough in resolving the country's longstanding conflicts.
"I encourage the revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, the Real-SPLM and the South Sudan United Front to stay the course and redouble their commitment to this mediation," Ruto said.
"This is why we are proud of the Tumaini Initiative, the high-level mediation for South Sudan, bringing together eight categories of parties and groups," he added.
The peace initiative has been dubbed “Tumaini,” a Swahili word for “hope.”
Ruto added that the mediation initiative exemplifies the Pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the “Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative” and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan and the entire African continent.
The talks will be mediated by former Kenya army commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo, renowned for his pivotal role in mediating the 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
In South Sudan, the stakes are high, millions of people have been displaced, and countless lives have been lost to conflict as the humanitarian situation remains dire.
The African Union, regional blocs and other stakeholders have expressed solidarity with the peace process ahead of planned elections in December 2024.