Tumaini Peace Talks in Nairobi Has Been Suspends Until March

Kenya’s President William Ruto has suspended the ongoing mediation talks between the South Sudan government and opposition hold-out groups until March 2025.

In press statement on X on Thursday, President William Ruto said he had met with the opposition delegation and, at the request of the South Sudanese government, agreed to temporarily pause the negotiations for the Tumaini (hope) Initiative.

He said, “Met the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan and agreed, at the request of the South Sudan Government delegation, that the mediation process that has been going on in Nairobi adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward,”

Kenya has been leading the mediation efforts for the past 11 months, following a request by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The process seeks to end the country’s political stalemate, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and security challenges.

The Opposition Hold-Out Group delegation was led by General Pagan Amum, alongside Gen Paul Malong, Gen Stephen Buoy, Gen Mario Lada, Mr Lual Dau, and Dr Cirino Hiteng.