Peace talks have resumed in Nairobi, Kenya, between representatives of South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity and hold-out groups that did not sign the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan in 2018.

Hosted by the Kenyan Government, the high-level mediation process, known as the Tumaini Initiative (‘hope’ in Swahili), was originally launched in May 2024. The talks faltered in mid-July when concerns were raised about how the new peace process would align with the existing Revitalized Agreement. But, on 6 November, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Kenyan President William Ruto agreed that the talks should resume.

“Challenges will arise, but failure of this process is not an option. Therefore, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan for all,” said stakeholder, Professor Pauline Riek, the Rumbek University Deputy Vice Chancellor at the official opening.

The opposition groups stressed the importance expressed their commitment to building lasting peace to enable South Sudan to move out of its transitional period and into its first democratic elections as a sovereign state, enabling people to exercise their right to elect their leaders.

“I would like to appeal to all delegates to recommit ourselves to a genuine search for peace and approach this resumption with an open heart and sincerity,” said Pagan Amum, the Chairperson of the Real-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. “This resumption is to finalize and conclude the Tumaini consensus. This is not a time to reopen or renegotiate what has already been agreed upon. This is probably the last chance to rescue our country from total disintegration and collapse into chaos and disorder.”

Leading the 15-member Government delegation, Senior Presidential Advisor, Kuol Manyang, urged other hold-out groups to also join the talks to resolve political issues, rebuild the nation and tackle the significant challenges facing the country, including political instability, intercommunal conflict, severe flooding and the spillover effect of the war in neighbouring Sudan.

“Since achieving independence, South Sudan has been struggling to set the pace for a state,” he said. “We acknowledge that mistakes were made, particularly due to our inexperience in governance. However, we must not let these setbacks define us. Instead, they should serve as lessons, motivating us to rectify our errors and build a brighter future for our children.”

Members of the international community attending the talks stressed the importance of discussions being open and inclusive.

“It is imperative to note that the regional and international community's confidence and support for the Tumaini Initiative can only be secured through demonstrable progress and collective commitment from all participants,” said the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General-Political, Guang Cong.  “More importantly, a successful conclusion to these discussions is needed for the sake of the people of South Sudan, who are eagerly awaiting the peace dividends.”

The Chief Mediator acknowledged the support of the international community as well as the patience and resilience demonstrated by participants over recent months.

“I see the determination in you, honorable delegates, to pursue the path of peace for your beloved country of South Sudan. I call upon you to work with diligence and to conclude what is outstanding in the Responsibility Sharing Protocol and in the Implementation Matrix,” said General Lazaro Sumbeiywo, Tumaini Initiative Chief Mediator.  

With the talks beginning on an optimistic note, it is hoped that the parties can reach consensus on outstanding issues in the next few weeks.  

“Tumaini is a Swahili word that means hope. Hope may sound like a casual concept of optimism, but it is our submission that hope is revolutionary,” said Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’Oei.

“Hope rejects the permanence of the status quo. Hope is incompatible with the notion of defeat. It is inconsistent with giving up. As a matter of fact, hope, to our minds, is a promissory note that positive outcomes will eventually be realized.”