South Sudan is prioritising preparations for general elections and inter-party dialogue to consolidate peace rather than the Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The Tumaini Initiative (“Hope” in Swahili) is a Kenya-led high-level mediation process launched in May 2024 to bring peace to South Sudan, bringing together the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement.
The talks stalled in February 2025. They were due to resume in Nairobi on Feb. 9, 2026, focusing on inclusivity, security reforms and developing a National Consensus Charter to govern post-election arrangements, but were later paused during the recent African Union summit in Addis Ababa and meetings of the AU Committee known as the C5, led by South Africa.
Thomas Kenneth Elisapana, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters at a weekly briefing in Juba: “About Tumaini [Initiative], we recognise Kenya’s efforts in pursuing peace in the country; however, government focus now is consolidation of peace and stability in South Sudan, including general elections and inter-party dialogue that was endorsed by the African Union and our partners,” Kenneth said.
“Our focus now is on consolidation of peace and stability in South Sudan, including general elections and inter-party dialogue,” he added, noting that the dialogue process has been endorsed by the African Union and international partners.
South Sudan is preparing to hold general elections in December this year, which Kenneth described as a key element in discussions with foreign partners.
“The country is getting prepared for the general elections to take place in December 2026,” he said.
Kenneth said the government’s diplomatic outreach aims to strengthen ties with international partners, which he described as essential for advancing national interests.
“You cannot stand alone as a country without having relations with other states,” he said, adding that such engagements support cooperation on political, security and economic issues.
During the question-and-answer session, Kenneth declined to disclose how much South Sudan owes to regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), saying the information would be provided later. He acknowledged that delays in paying membership fees can create challenges.
“When you delay in paying arrears, some issues start coming in,” he said, without giving figures.
Earlier this month, South Sudan lost its turn for the East African Community secretary-general post due to unpaid membership arrears.
Kenneth also gave a vague response when asked about a proposed political retreat for South Sudanese leaders in South Africa, saying only that the public would be informed “when it takes place.”
On international cooperation, Kenneth highlighted ongoing engagement with China, particularly in education and training opportunities for South Sudanese students and government officials, but did not provide further details.
Kenneth further declined to comment in detail when asked about cases involving South Sudanese nationals convicted in the United States, including activists Peter Biar Ajak and Abraham Chol Keech, describing the matter as “classified” and saying the ministry would release information later.
On Feb. 6, 2026, Peter Biar Ajak, 42, of Maryland, was sentenced by United States District Judge Sharad H. Desai for the District of Arizona to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Ajak’s co-defendant, Abraham Chol Keech, 46, of Utah, was sentenced on Dec. 18, 2025, by Judge Desai to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Both defendants had previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Conspiracy to Violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA).
On security, Kenneth acknowledged ongoing challenges in some areas, including attacks on government positions and constraints affecting humanitarian operations. However, he said the government has no policy of obstructing aid delivery.
“The government has facilitated humanitarian access and protection of humanitarian workers,” he said, adding that many access challenges occur in areas outside government control.
“According to government records, most of the obstructions are in areas controlled by the opposition,” he added.
Kenneth said preparations for the 2026 elections, political dialogue and peace consolidation remain central to discussions with regional and international partners as the country moves towards the vote.
South Sudan continues to navigate a fragile peace process after years of conflict, with general elections and inclusive political dialogue seen as critical steps towards stability.
The 2018 peace agreement, signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar—who is now in detention in Juba and suspended from his role as first vice president—has faced persistent challenges in implementation.