President Salva Kiir, in his New Year’s address to the nation, called on South Sudanese leaders and opposition groups to compromise and prioritize patriotism, unity and leadership over politics, as the Tumaini Initiative peace talks are set to resume in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 6, 2025.
The Tumaini Initiative seeks to include opposition parties
that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement in the ongoing peace process, as
South Sudan prepares for a transition into a democratic system following years
of conflict.
“We are in a transitional government made up of parties to
the agreement. I do not foresee it just to leave any party behind, nor isolate
some of the existing parties to the agreement,” Kiir stated
“I implore us to compromise; to accommodate all the parties
for the time has come where leadership is needed more than politics. Politics
is casted on positions seeking and self-interest; but leadership is about
vision for a better tomorrow, for the next generation.”
The President acknowledged the difficulties South Sudan has
faced in meeting some of the milestones outlined in the peace agreement for a
peaceful South Sudan.
"Fellow citizens, though we have failed in conducting
general elections to mark the end of the transitional period, we have equally
made real progress in the implementation of the agreement that will lay a solid
ground for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections in 2026,” he said.
The elections, initially scheduled for 2024, were postponed,
and the transitional period extended for another 24 months due to practical
challenges, primarily the country’s ongoing economic hardships. Kiir noted that
the postponement of elections was essential for ensuring the successful
implementation of the peace agreement's key provisions.
“The postponement of the election and consequent extension
of the transitional period for another 24 months was due to practical reasons.
Chief among them is the economic hardship the country is experiencing;
therefore, the government was unable to fund the implementation of key
provisions of the agreement,” he explained.
Despite these setbacks, Kiir praised the leadership of the
peace agreement's signatories, expressing gratitude for their understanding and
collaboration.
“I appreciate the party's signatories to the peace
agreement, for their leadership and understanding that the extension was the
best option,” Kiir said. “We have collectively chosen leadership over politics,
and we have proven to the world that we can provide South Sudanese solutions to
South Sudanese problems. We might be slow in implementation, but sure in our determination
to holding on to peace.”
As the country looks ahead to 2025, Kiir expressed his hope
for a year of peace, unity, and compromise.
“It is my prayer and hope that 2025 will be a year where the
land of great abundance will uphold us united in peace and harmony. A year
where we will make great compromises, choose leadership over politics and our
children will sing songs of freedom with joy,” he stated.
“The Year 2025 will
be a year of unity of purpose toward comprehensive peace in our nation. In my
view, peace is the uncontested factor for the survival of our nation.”
As the Tumaini Initiative peace talks resume, President Kiir
called on opposition groups to demonstrate patriotism and put the country's
interests first.
“The Tumaini Initiative peace negotiation-taking place in
Nairobi, Kenya will resume on January 6th, 2025. I ask our brothers in the
opposition to show patriotism and put the interest of our country first,” Kiir
urged.
With the talks poised to continue, the hope is that a consensus will be reached, allowing South Sudan to move forward toward lasting stability and prosperity.
