Peace talks involving South Sudan’s government and opposition representatives begun in Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Thursday.

The talks are between the government and rebel opposition groups that were not part of an 2018 agreement that ended a five-year civil war.

Some of the goals set in the 2018 deal, including the formation of a unified security force, have not been met.

In an effort to guarantee transparent elections, the main opposition party had called for a fresh round of talks ahead of December’s elections.

Several African presidents attending the talks called for an end to the conflict in South Sudan, which has crippled the country’s economy for many years.

Leaders present include Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Namibia’s Nangolo Mbumba and Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic.

The host, Kenyan President William Ruto, said: “This 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, our region, and the entire African continent.”

South Sudan’s president said he was hopeful that the mediation will have positive results ahead of the general elections.

“We hope that the opposition groups have a similar conviction and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when fully achieved, will bring everlasting stability and economic development in the region,” he said.

by HELLEN NJOROGE
Friday May 10, 2024

Kenya’s Defence Secretary, Aden Duale has stated that he and Michael Hammer, the United States Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOAUS) held a crucial meeting on Thursday evening.

Duale stated that the meeting revolved around deliberating the security arrangements in Somalia after the withdrawal of peace-keeping forces in the country.

“The meeting was specifically deliberating on the security arrangements in Somalia post-Atmis. It was related to maintaining peace and security, with its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts,” stated Duale.

Interestingly, the meeting followed Somalia’s surprising request to have the United Nations peacekeeping mission UNSOM from the country by October 2024.

In a letter dated May 5, 2023, the Republic of Somalia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that while they appreciated the UN’s efforts in the longstanding mission, they were looking forward to transitioning to a different level of cooperation.

“As a result of the successful collaboration between the Government of Somalia and the United Nations Mission, we believe that it is now appropriate to transition to the next phase of our partnership. We are confident that the achievements and lessons learned during the mission’s presence will continue to guide our efforts towards sustaining peace and prosperity,” stated Somalia.

The withdrawal of the forces request is reported to have found the UN by surprise, given that the country had earlier requested an extension period for the forces to be in the country.

However, in the new development, Somalia has stated that the mission should be wrapped as swiftly as possible

“We kindly request the swift conclusion of the necessary procedures for the termination of the Mission by the end of the mandate in October 2024,” stated Somalia.

Kenya on the other hand, had previously stated that they would be withdrawing their forces by the end of 2024.

With the withdrawal of the forces, there have been concerns about an increase in insecurity within the East African region.

However, Somalia has maintained their belief that the country is adequately equipped to manage the nation’s security.