Lazarus Sumbeiywo, a former army commander, has been elected by Kenyan President William Ruto, as the Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process.
Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo will serve as the Assistant Mediator.
Experts predict that this decision is a major diplomatic step taken in response to President Salva Kiir’s desire to advance stability and peace in South Sudan.
A wide range of participants, including opposition parties connected to the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious organisations and civil society will be present at the talks, which are scheduled to take place in Nairobi.
President Ruto’s decision was intended to help enable talks towards a peaceful resolution and agreement ahead of the scheduled elections in South Sudan by December this year.
In addition to guaranteeing more societal representation in the political process, the discussions seek to lay the groundwork for peaceful elections.
The nomination of Mr. Sumbeiywo, who gained notoriety for his role in the South Sudan peace process almost twenty years ago, is indicative of President Ruto’s determination to utilise his experience in conflict settlement.
As he assigns Sumbeiywo the crucial position of Chief Mediator, President Ruto praised Sumbeiywo’s prior accomplishments, especially his role in the 2005 negotiation and signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
“Based on your wealth of experience and invaluable contribution in negotiating and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, I appoint you as the Chief Mediator from April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025,” he said.
Sumbeiywo will report directly to President Ruto on a monthly basis and provide periodic updates to stakeholders such as the advisory panel.
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