JUBA, South Sudan —Peace negotiations to end South Sudan’s prolonged conflict resumed this week after a four-month break. During that break, a change in leadership and travel delays postponed progress. The talks in Nairobi, Kenya, represent a renewed effort to tackle the unresolved issues facing a nation still reeling from years of civil war and political instability.
The negotiations, which resumed Wednesday, are taking place between South Sudan’s government and various opposition factions that were not included in the 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war. This conflict, which resulted in the deaths of over 400,000 people, was one of the deadliest in Africa’s recent history. The current talks, named Tumaini (Swahili for “hope”), began in May with a commitment to bring these holdout groups into the peace process. Still, they stalled after South Sudanese President Salva Kiir dismissed the original government delegation.
While the reasons for the dismissal and subsequent travel delays were not provided, the disruption came at a critical moment. Last month, President Kiir clarified that the purpose of the Nairobi talks was not to replace the 2018 peace deal but to address concerns raised by groups that had not signed the original agreement. However, the stalled talks and the delegation’s reorganization raised concerns about the government’s commitment to the peace process.
One of the most significant outcomes of the earlier peace agreement was a commitment to hold national elections in December 2024. However, the elections have now been postponed, with officials citing delays in voter registration and a financial crisis that has left many civil servants without pay for over a year. The economic situation is dire, with South Sudan’s reliance on oil exports undercut by a damaged pipeline in neighboring Sudan, which has its own ongoing civil war.
Amid these challenges, South Sudan’s political factions are also grappling with human rights issues. During the resumed talks, the two sides voiced objections to a newly passed law permitting detention without warrants, which they argued violates basic human rights. The law has sparked protests from civil society groups, which have raised concerns about its potential for abuse.
Lazarus Sumbeiyo, the chief mediator of the talks, urged the parties to work quickly to resolve any outstanding issues. He emphasized the need for consensus on critical matters to ensure the success of the peace process. Pagan Amum, leader of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, stressed that the current moment might be South Sudan’s last opportunity to prevent further disintegration. “This is not a time to renegotiate what we have already agreed upon,” Amum said. “The fate of our country now lies in our hands. We must act decisively.”
On the government side, Kuol Manyang Juuk echoed the call for unity, urging all parties to build on what had already been accomplished. “We are not here to start the talks from scratch; we are here to move forward with what has been achieved,” Juuk stated.
Despite the setbacks and lingering tensions, both sides seem committed to continuing the dialogue. The international community, including regional powers and the United Nations, has strongly supported the peace process, hoping for a lasting resolution. With the country’s future hanging in the balance, South Sudan’s leaders must now decide whether to prioritize peace and stability over political differences or risk further chaos in a nation that has already endured too much hardship.
