The South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) has called on the Transitional Government of South Sudan to demonstrate continued commitment to the Tumaini Initiative Peace Process mediated by Kenya by prioritizing sustained, constructive dialogue and compromise with the Opposition Groups and Stakeholders to address outstanding issues and find common ground to successfully conclude the talks.
According to a press statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, members of SSCSF met for three days in Nairobi from 16 to 18 December 2024 to reflect on their engagements in the Tumaini Peace Initiative and strategize for future interventions amidst the ongoing challenges. During the three days, the civil society representatives met the Mediation team, Stakeholders, and Opposition Groups.
The engagements were aimed at reiterating the citizens’ urge for peace, countering misinformation about the Tumaini Peace Process, and encouraging the Mediators, Parties, and Stakeholders to remain committed toward the successful conclusion of the talks.
“We further urge you to uphold signed commitments by adhering to the principles outlined in previous accords and adopting necessary measures to expedite the Tumaini Peace Initiative. This includes assigning a fully mandated delegation to resume talks in good faith on dates provided by the mediation team,” the statement reads in part. “The SSCSF appreciates the decorum exercised by all parties so far and calls on the government to continue cooperating fully with the mediation team, including providing necessary political and logistical support. Refrain from unilateral actions and utterances that could undermine the peace process to ensure a smooth conclusion to the mediation efforts.”
The SSCSF also urged the government to expedite the repeal of the National Security Act 2014, particularly sections 13, 54, 55, and 57 to uphold the Bill of Rights Articles 9 to 34 on the promotion of democratic principles, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association, as enshrined in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011 (As amended).
“This will guarantee the civic and political space needed to enable civil society and leaders to fulfill its mandate of leading efforts for social cohesion, civic empowerment, promoting healing and reconciliation, and addressing the deep-seated divisions and trauma caused by the protracted conflict,” the SSCSF statement added.
The Forum also appealed to the government to develop a clear, actionable plan for the extended roadmap to expedite the implementation of the remaining tasks under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The Forum appreciated opposition groups for exercising patience and restraint for over three months while awaiting the government’s return from consultations in Juba.
“We encourage you to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to find peaceful solutions to the myriad challenges facing our country. Put the needs and aspirations of the South Sudanese people at the forefront of decisions made within the Tumaini Peace Initiative,” the statement said. “We further urge opposition groups and other non-signatories to refrain from the use of violence, remain committed to nonviolent political solutions, and uphold principles of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights laws, including the protection of civilians.”
The SSCSF thanked the President and Government of Kenya for assigning a competent, professional, and well-intentioned mediation team under the leadership of Rtd. Lt. General Lazaro Sumbeiywo.
“We also urge continued engagement with holdout groups, including General Thomas Cirillo, General Simon Gatwech, Emmanuel Ajawin, and others, to ensure their meaningful participation in the Tumaini Peace Initiative for sustainable peace,” the SSCSF advised.
The Forum extended gratitude to the international community for their steadfast support of the people of South Sudan and asked for their continued political, diplomatic, technical, and financial support to the Tumaini Peace Initiative.
The Forum called on the people of South Sudan to seize the opportunity for peace and actively support the Tumaini Peace Initiative by condemning and contributing to the prevention of all forms of violence, including armed conflict, inter-communal clashes, and cattle raiding.
“We further urge traditional and religious leaders to exercise their authority to help in conflict resolution to prevent renewed conflict between the holdout groups and the government, and also support reconciliation and healing efforts to mend the broken social fabric caused by years of violent conflict,” the statement concluded. “The SSCSF renews its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of genuine peace for the people of South Sudan and avails itself of the opportunity to support the High-Level mediation for South Sudan. Failure of the Tumaini Initiative is not an option.”
The South Sudan Civic Society Forum (SSCSF) is a coalition of over 200 independent civic groups, including civil society organizations, women and youth groups, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and faith-based entities from across South Sudan that was established in December 2017.