The Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the rebel outfit South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A), Gen. Stephen Buay Rolnyang, has accepted an invitation to participate in the peace negotiations between the Government of South Sudan and holdout groups in Kenya, according to documents reviewed by Radio Tamazuj.

Lt. Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo (rtd), the Government of Kenya appointed chief mediator for High-level Mediation for South Sudan, wrote Gen. Buay an invitation letter on 2 May to the talks saying the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan is an important process for regional peace and stability.

Gen. Buay replied on the same day acknowledging receipt of Lt. Gen. Sumbeiywo’s letter and qualified that his outfit is not a member of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA).

“Firstly, I would like to bring your kind attention to the fact that the SSPM/A, a group formed in 2021, is not part of the holdout groups known as the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA), which has been negotiating with the government of South Sudan in Rome since 2020,” he wrote. “We aim to fight for fundamental regime change in the Republic of South Sudan, driven by our belief in the need for a more inclusive and democratic government.”

Gen. Buay said that as an organization, SSPM/A is deeply committed to the pursuit of sustainable peace in South Sudan and views the Government of Kenya’s initiative to foster inclusivity in the peace process with utmost importance.

“Therefore, we affirmatively respond to your call for the SSPM/A to join the negotiation table with some concerns that we expect to be addressed,” he stated. “Firstly, we insist that our security must be guaranteed while in Kenya so that we can fully participate in the peace negotiations without any worries. Secondly, we demand that our travel documents be processed before we arrive in Ethiopia from our base in South Sudan. We hope you understand that these concerns are crucial to our participation, and we expect them to be addressed as soon as possible. We look forward to the fruitful peace negotiations.”

In reply to Gen. Buay’s concerns, Lt. Gen. Sumbeiywo wrote back reassuring the rebel leader about his team’s security in Kenya.

“I wish to acknowledge the concerns you have raised about the safety of your delegation to the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan. With regard to your security and safety, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya, has provided a detailed security guarantee which should suffice,” he reassured. “In short, he (President Ruto) has stated in writing: ‘I hereby give my unequivocal assurance to you and all South Sudanese that your security within Kenyan territory will be guaranteed. I have issued directives to the relevant security agencies to put in place the necessary protocols to ensure that your security as well as that of your family, delegations, associates, and indeed, all South Sudanese in Kenya is assured during the talks and beyond.’ Indeed, the directive of His Excellency the President has been implemented.”

Lt. Gen. Sumbeiywo also informed Gen. Buay that the mediation is convened under the auspices of the Government of Kenya and that the High-Level launch will be on 10 May 2024 at State House, Nairobi. Further, the mediation will build on the previous achievements and agenda set with Sant’Egidio, who are also invited as co-mediator.

“In view of the foregoing, I urge your attendance at the Mediation here in Nairobi, Kenya, as soon as possible, in order to join hands with other South Sudanese in this opportunity in search of peace in your beloved country,” the chief mediator wrote.