Emmanuel Mandela
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Nairobi Peace Talks aimed at resolving South Sudan’s protracted conflict have reached final stages, a government official said.
The Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, announced on state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) that significant progress has been made although specific details remain undisclosed.
“Talks have progressed well. Significant signs of progress have been made and have now reached the final stages,” Makuei stated on Monday.
The process has faced criticism regarding the selection of participating groups, raising concerns about inclusivity and the representation of diverse perspectives necessary to address the conflict’s root causes.
Critics argue that the talks are disproportionately favouring certain factions, notably those led by former army chief of staff Paul Malong, Stephen Buoy Rolyang, and Pagan Amum. These figures have positioned themselves as key players advocating for a peace process aimed at addressing the 2013 conflict’s origins, a split within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) that resulted in a devastating civil war.
Opposition groups, excluded from the talks, have voiced concerns about the process being a vehicle for specific political ambitions rather than a comprehensive peace strategy. They warn that the exclusion of critical voices undermines the talks’ legitimacy and effectiveness.
“The threats by Pagan Amum, Paul Malong, and Stephen Buoy Rolyang to quit if other parties are included are hollow as their call for unity,” said a statement from The Equatoria’s People Alliance, a coalition of various political and military organizations.
The statement called on President Salva Kiir and Kenyan President William Ruto to reassess and ensure a more inclusive process.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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