Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the suspension of the mediation process between the South Sudan government and the Opposition Hold-Out Group until March 2025.
The decision, made at the request of the South Sudan government delegation, aims to allow further consultations to chart the way forward in resolving the ongoing political stalemate in the war-torn nation.
President Ruto revealed the development on X following a meeting with the Opposition Hold-Out Group, led by General Pagan Amum, alongside Generals Paul Malong, Stephen Buoy, Mario Lada, Mr. Lual Dau, and Dr. Cirinho Hiteng.
“The mediation process that has been going on in Nairobi adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward,” Ruto stated. He emphasized that Kenya has been facilitating the talks for the past 11 months at the request of South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The mediation, aimed at addressing the political deadlock that has fueled a dire humanitarian crisis and security challenges in South Sudan, has been under the stewardship of former Kenyan Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo since April 2024.
President Ruto appointed Sumbeiywo as chief mediator, citing his extensive experience, including his pivotal role in brokering the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that paved the way for South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Sumbeiywo’s tenure as chief mediator is set to run until June 30, 2025.
The suspension follows months of negotiations initially guided by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei before Sumbeiywo took over. Ruto expressed confidence in Sumbeiywo’s ability to navigate the complex conflict, highlighting his prior success in mediating between Sudan’s government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
As consultations continue, stakeholders hope the pause will yield a sustainable resolution to South Sudan’s protracted crisis.
