South Sudan’s government and opposition groups have taken a significant step towards a lasting peace deal through the Nairobi Mediation process. On Thursday, they signed the Declaration of Commitment, known as the Tumaini (Hope) Initiative, in Nairobi.

The Tumaini Initiative, integrating previous agreements since 2020, marks a crucial development in the peace negotiations initiated by the Sant’ Egidio Catholic Community in Rome. President William Ruto later met with foreign envoys at State House Nairobi to discuss the support from South Sudan donor groups.

The declaration was signed by the transitional government of national unity (TGoNU), Real-SPLM led by Pagan Amum, and South Sudan United Front (SSUF) led by former Army Chief Paul Malong. Supportive participants included civil society, women, youth, academia, religious groups, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), which acted as a guarantor.

Chief Mediator Lt Gen Lazurus Sumbeiywo emphasized that the declaration marks the beginning of proper negotiations to address the root causes of South Sudan’s conflict and to empower the South Sudanese in their development. While some observers hoped for a timeline to prepare for the December 2024 elections, Gen Sumbeiywo clarified that the mission is to stop the violence rather than to adhere to election timelines.

Despite some opposition groups boycotting the mediation, those participating have pledged full commitment to collaborating with the government to bring peace to South Sudan. The Nairobi Mediation process follows the breakdown of the Rome Initiative talks in March 2023. President Kiir’s request for President Ruto to take over the mediation was accepted in February 2024 after consultations with the Sant’ Egidio community in Rome.