JUBA – Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday expressed a strong desire to help drive negotiations between the government and armed groups that were initially left out of the 2018 peace deal.
Ruto said President Kiir reached out to him on December 25, 2023, on the phone, with a plea for him to steer and conclude the remaining phase of the talks
“I accepted the request of my brother President Kiir to host and conclude the remaining phase of the peace talks that have been going on between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out opposition parties in Rome, Italy, under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio,” Ruto said in a statement seen by Sudans Post.
He said he briefed his counterpart, President Kiir about the progress of the peace talks that have been ongoing in Rome, Italy.
The talks are being held under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio between the government of South Sudan and opposition parties under the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance.
“Today, I apprised President Kiir of the steps we have taken to realize this imperative. Upon receiving the President’s request, I reached out to the Community of Sant’Egidio and applauded them for hosting the talks and inviting them to work with us to bring these talks to a fruitful conclusion.”
The Kenyan President said he has reached out to all the hold-out opposition parties under the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance and expressed his desire to ensure an all-inclusive and equitable mediation.
“I am encouraged that almost all the parties have responded positively to our call.”
He said Kenya is currently making the necessary arrangements to welcome the parties to Nairobi for pre-mediation consultations.
“We invite all friends of South Sudan, including IGAD, the East African Community, the UN, the AU, the Quad and all Partner countries to support this noble effort,” he said
