President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to ending conflict and political instability in South Sudan to allow the country achieve peace and prosperity.
Speaking yesterday during the launch of high-level mediation for South Sudan at State House in Nairobi, the Head of State hailed the ‘Tumaini Initiative’ the high-level mediation team that brings together eight categories of parties and groups saying it has made significant progress in defining ‘a mediation framework, developing rules of procedure, and setting the agenda for the process.’
This initiative exemplifies the Pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative’ and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region and the entire African continent,” the President said.
He said the group bearing the name Tumaini, meaning Hope, was grounded in the resolve that delivered the Comprehensive Peace Agreement a decade ago hailing it to have been fueled by courage, goodwill, and determination to silence the guns and explore better ways of resolving conflicts.
“Under the Tumaini Initiative, we have a forum to honour the people of South Sudan and commemorate their sacrifices, struggles and hopes by supporting their unanimous aspiration to transform their nation’s potential into shared abundance.,” said Dr Ruto.
At the same time, the President appreciated countries, observer missions and civil society that have pledged to support the mediation initiative and invested ‘in hope’ and thanked them for their concern, commitment and contributions to the peace initiative.
“I encourage the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, the Real-SPLM and the South Sudan United Front to stay the course and redouble their commitment to this mediation. The path you have chosen is noble, and what you have accomplished so far under this initiative is admirable. Here is your opportunity to design a future worthy of your vision,” he said.
He also thanked his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir Mayardit, for bestowing him and Kenya with the honour of shepherding the final phase of the South Sudan Mediation Process.
“This act demonstrates President Kiir’s deep humility and singular desire to secure stable peace for his motherland. Kenya takes pride in its strong bonds and mutual understanding with the people and nation of South Sudan. These bonds foster solidarity and support, facilitating the joint pursuit of security and development,” he said