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By; Namusoke Naomi/kmaupdates
Tumaini Peace Initiative Raises Alarm Over South Sudan’s Worsening Crisis.
During a press conference held on Saturday in Entebbe, the Tumaini Peace Initiative a civil society organization from South Sudan expressed grave concern over the country’s deteriorating political and security situation as it enters the second extension of the transitional period.
With violence escalating in the neighboring nation, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and the displacement of hundreds now seeking refuge in neighboring countries, stakeholders in the Tumaini Initiative are urging warring parties to de-escalate tensions and pursue lasting peace in the conflict-ridden East African nation.
The Tumaini Peace Initiative voiced serious alarm over the continued violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The initiative noted that the country’s worsening political climate is marked by rising political tensions, armed confrontations, and inter-communal violence. These conflicts are especially pronounced in the counties of Nasir and Ulanga, as well as in the states of Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
The ongoing inter-communal violence in various parts of South Sudan poses a severe threat to prospects for peace and stability. The Tumaini Initiative warned that urgent and decisive action must be taken to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The Tumaini Peace Initiative is a high-level mediation effort aimed at resolving the protracted conflict in South Sudan. Launched on May 9th, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, the initiative brings together all holdout groups that signed the 2018 R-ARCSS. Its primary goal is to foster dialogue and sustainable peace among conflicting parties.
Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, a Tumaini stakeholder and women’s representative, called on all parties in South Sudan to reaffirm their commitment to the peace process by fostering a spirit of collegiality in decision-making. She emphasized the urgent need for the government to take swift measures to protect civilians in the affected areas, highlighting the vulnerability of communities caught in the crossfire.
The Tumaini Initiative also urged the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union, and the United Nations to intensify diplomatic and political efforts aimed at fully implementing the peace agreement.
Patrick Godi, the youth representative for the Tumaini Peace Initiative, expressed concern over the mobilization of young people by warring factions, warning that it could escalate into a broader conflict. He called on peace partners not only to engage in dialogue but also to address the root causes that have pushed South Sudan to the brink of war.
Godi stressed that merely engaging in talks without tackling underlying grievances would not suffice. He called for comprehensive solutions to restore stability and build lasting peace.
As South Sudan faces increasing violence and instability, the Tumaini Peace Initiative remains steadfast in its call for de-escalation and dialogue. The initiative continues to urge regional and international actors to prioritize peace efforts and support sustainable solutions to end the conflict that has plagued the young nation for years.