BY AMAJU UBUR YALAMOI AYANI
The Tumaini Initiative, also known as the Nairobi Peace Talks, has become a beacon of hope and optimism. Currently, it is on the brink of becoming a national consensus. Its proposed protocols, for example, have been embraced by the major parties involved, and soon they will become unanimous contents of negotiations.
The Tumaini Initiative, as the name suggests, derives its idiomatic expression from the Swahili socio-linguistic vocabulary, which means “hope”. This peace initiative has been named after this word simply because its prime object is to restore hope and confidence in South Sudanese ordinary citizens who have been fragmented by the ongoing civil war and intercommunal violent conflicts. When President Salva Kiir Mayardit suggested to his Kenyan counterpart, President William Samoi Ruto, to host the South Sudanese peace initiative early this year, the primary aim of the initiative was to bring about lasting peace to South Sudanese ordinary citizens, by bringing together their political as well as military leaders, particularly those in the incumbent Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and the holdout groups so that they find an amicable political solution to the ongoing political and military conflicts in the Republic of South Sudan. No sooner had parties assembled at the peace venue than they proclaimed the peace talks as the “Tumaini Initiative.”
However, since its inception in May 2024, the Tumaini Peace Initiative continues to host several political potholes. All these challenges emanate from parties involved in negotiations. For example, major parties that have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Tumaini Initiative cited numerous defaults in the peace process, ranging from security to sincerity, prompting some key partners of the R-ARCSS, specifically the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) to withdraw its participation. The unwillingness of some opposition groups such as the National Salvation Front of Gen. Thomas Cirilo to join, and the absence of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) Kitgwang Faction of Gen. Gatwech Dual among others still project a grave loophole to the Tumaini Initiative.
Also, the controversial National Security Bill recently passed by the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), and the proposed elections scheduled for December 2024, continue to instigate worries in some peace partners, especially within members of the holdout groups. Some of these issues are so critical. Hence, they threaten the very cornerstones of the ideals of confidence and trust-building among the major parties.
Nevertheless, although these contentions are shadowing the peace initiative, it can be maintained that the recently signed document by major parties titled, “Tumaini Consensus for Sustainable Peace in South Sudan: Protocols for Initializing” has conclusively designated a political consensus. It has articulated in sequence the contentious subjects that have been dominating the peace negotiations. As a result, one can optimally envisage the prospect of a peace agreement, especially when substantial political compromises are made and consensus atmospheres are reached by all parties. The proposed protocols such as the Humanitarian Access and Support, Protocol on Permanent Ceasefire, Security Arrangements and Reforms as well as the Protocol on Communal Conflicts, Armed Civilians, and Land Disputes are complex in their very nature. Putting signatures jointly to address their root causes peacefully renders a promising future for the Tumaini Peace Initiative.
As we are approaching “Martyrs’ Day”, it is imperative that we uphold and carry a banner of peace, harmony, and nationalism as well as patriotism, love, and unity. The Tumaini Initiative in this respect is not merely a peace talk but a restoration of hope plundered by the anguish of war and poor governance. Since its inauguration in May 2024, the initiative has been rejuvenating confidence in South Sudanese ordinary citizens, making it a sacred dove on the altar of our republic.
Right now, all South Sudanese attentions are turned to Nairobi, Kenya, to see the progress of this peace deal. Its substance, which can be well understood in terms of time and space is yielding trust at a very high speed, and therefore, ought not to be injured by any party involved. It is a widely held belief that the logical conclusion of this peace initiative will revivify harmony and tranquility in the presently chaotic Republic of South Sudan.
Negotiating its proposed protocols in good faith will deliver not only a vibrant political roadmap for any future allocation of political power but also perpetual peace in the Republic of South Sudan. Although the implementation of all its provisions will later call for significant amounts of sincerity, political will, and patriotism, the Tumaini Peace Initiative should not be treated as a politicians-driven enterprise but as an embodiment of hope and optimism to all South Sudanese.
The writer is a South Sudanese Master’s student of Political Science at the School of Social and Economic Studies, University of Juba. He specializes in International Relations and Diplomacy and can be reached via amajuayani@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the author’s responsibility, not Radio Tamazuj’s.