South Sudan has declared the Kenyan-led Tumaini peace talks dead amid rising tensions in the nation’s fragile political landscape.
Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk criticised Tumaini for abandoning its original purpose and undermining the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Juuk insisted the R-ARCSS remains valid and cannot be replaced by Tumaini, accusing the initiative of trying to sideline a functioning peace framework.
Launched in December 2023 with Kenya’s support, Tumaini aimed to revive stalled peace efforts by involving new opposition groups, including the United People’s Alliance. However, Juba now claims Tumaini has legitimised rebellion and seeks to dismantle the existing agreement.
Juuk accused Tumaini backers of attempting to seize power, calling their proposed Leadership Council a disguised coup threatening South Sudan’s fragile stability. He also questioned the financial sources of exiled opposition leaders, alleging they live lavishly on funds possibly looted during their time in government.
South Sudan has formally protested to Kenya over reports the United People’s Alliance formed a military wing on Kenyan soil, violating East African Community norms. “The Tumaini Initiative is dead,” Juuk declared, rejecting any legitimacy for armed groups demanding political recognition through rebellion.
The Tumaini talks, initially praised as a bold move by Kenyan President William Ruto, collapsed after multiple adjournments without progress. Kenya has yet to respond officially to South Sudan’s announcement, leaving the region’s peace prospects uncertain amid deepening distrust.
