JUBA, South Sudan, Dec. 6, 2024 — The South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) and other opposition factions expressed frustration with statements made by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, during the resumption of the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi. In a statement issued by SSOMA’s Secretary-General, Lual Dau, the alliance reaffirmed its commitment to finalizing the Tumaini consensus despite government resistance.
The opposition accused the reconstituted Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) of undermining previous agreements. SSOMA alleged that the government delegation had adopted the views of “anti-Tumaini elements” intent on reversing progress achieved during earlier negotiations. They also criticized Lomuro’s remarks, accusing him of denying knowledge of President Salva Kiir’s request for Kenyan President William Ruto to mediate, a process initiated in December 2023.
The Tumaini Peace Initiative, which aims to end years of unrest in South Sudan, is seen as a critical step forward. However, SSOMA warned that the government’s current position threatens to dismantle the initiative and could destabilize the country further.
Opposition leaders vowed to uphold the Tumaini protocols and deliver a peace framework by Christmas, calling on regional and international actors to ensure the process remains on track. They emphasized that the consensus is essential for South Sudan’s recovery from decades of conflict and humanitarian suffering.
