Tumaini Initiative: Declaration of Commitment to the Tumaini (hope) Initiative for the South Sudan Peace Process

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Country/entity: South Sudan
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Tumaini Initiative: Declaration of Commitment to the Tumaini (hope) Initiative for the South Sudan Peace Process
Date: 16 May 2024
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Sudan Conflicts (1955 - )
Agreements relate to several distinct dyads, and also the negotiated independence of South Sudan, and subsequent internal conflict in South Sudan. Sudan-South Sudan. The long-standing conflict between the north and the south of the country dates back to colonial times, where the British introduced a so-called ‘Southern Policy’, severely hampering population movements between these big regions. Immediately after gaining independence in 1956, southern movements started to fight for independence; this fight became professionalised in 1983 with the foundation of the soon internationally supported Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). When the Islamic Front government introduced strict sharia laws in the south after it took over power in 1988 the war intensified. A decade later, the military situation reached a stalemate, enabling internationally facilitated peace negotiations to begin in 1997. After more fighting, a final negotiation push began in 2002, leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Areement (CPA) in January 2005.

Sudan-South Sudan post referendum. South Sudan became independent in July 2011; since then, relations between the two countries are complicated and violent conflict led by the SPLM (North) in the Sudanese Nuba mountains region has since intensified.

Darfur. Other long-standing violent conflicts are in the east and the west of the country. In the east, the Beja Congress, established in 1957, is the spearhead of a currently ‘peaceful’ opposition movement. In the west, the violent conflict in Darfur intensified in the early 2000s and rapidly gained international attention, even resulting in genocide charges against leading figures of the Sudanese government. The situation on the ground is complex, with over a dozen organisations (most notably the Sudanese Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement) fighting the Sudanese government and allied groups like the Janjaweed – although all parties have switched sides on numerous occasions. Several mediation attempts have not been successful, due to the shaky commitment of the Sudanese central government and the distrust among the armed opposition.

South Sudan - internal
In December 2013, after president Salva Kiir accused opposition leader Riek Machar of attempting a coup, violent conflict broke out between government forces of the SPLM/A and anti-governmental groups. In addition, several other political militias as well as communal militias have joined the conflict. In 2015 the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) was signed. Due to unsuccessful implementation the agreement was revitalized in 2018. In September 2019, Kiir and Machar agreed to establish a power-sharing government after struggles on forming a unity transitional government.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: South Sudan post-secession process
Parties: Revitalized-Transitional Government of National Unity:

Hon. Amb. Albino Mathom Aboug
Head Of Delegation

South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA:

General Paul Malong Awan
Chairman and C-in-C
South Sudan United Front/ Army

General pa'gan Arnum Okiech
Chairman
Real-SPLM

South Sudan United National Alliance (SSUNA):

General Stephen Buoy Rolnyang
Chairman and C-in-C
South Sudan People's Movement / Army

National Salvation Front — Revolutionary Command Council
General Mario Loku Thomas Jada
Chairman and C-in-C
Third parties: Stakeholder Representatives:

Dr Ayak Chol Deng
Representative
Civil Society Forum

Abraham Akec Awolich
Representative
People's Coalition for Civil Action

Mediators:

Lt. Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Rtd)
Chair/Chief Mediator

Arnh Ismail Wais
CO-Mediator
IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan

Amb. Dr. Mohamed Ali Guyo
Co-Chair/Deputy Mediator
Tobias Mueller

CO-Mediator
Community Of Sant'Egidio

Host Government - on behalf of Lead Mediator
Dr. A. Korir SingOei
Principal Secretary
State Department Of Foreign Affairs
Republic Of Kenya
Description: The South Sudan government and rebel opposition groups signed a commitment declaration for peace during talks mediated by Kenya. The agreement aims to end hostilities and promote peace, though specifics were not made public. It is seen as a key step in efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in South Sudan by including groups left out of the 2018 peace deal.

Agreement document: SS_240516_Tumaini Initiative Declaration of Commitment to the Tumaini (hope) Initiative for the South Sudan Peace Process (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: Groups→Children/youth→Rhetorical
Preamble
...
Aware of the existing political environment, that has created mistrust and left the country unstable, we seek to embrace consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building by having an inclusive process with the representatives of R-TGONU, Opposition Groups and Non-Signatory Groups, as well as civil society organizations and stakeholders including women's groups, youth groups, religious leaders, among others.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: Groups→Religious groups→Rhetorical
Preamble
...
Aware of the existing political environment, that has created mistrust and left the country unstable, we seek to embrace consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building by having an inclusive process with the representatives of R-TGONU, Opposition Groups and Non-Signatory Groups, as well as civil society organizations and stakeholders including women's groups, youth groups, religious leaders, among others.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: Preamble
...
Aware of the existing political environment, that has created mistrust and left the country unstable, we seek to embrace consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building by having an inclusive process with the representatives of R-TGONU, Opposition Groups and Non-Signatory Groups, as well as civil society organizations and stakeholders including women's groups, youth groups, religious leaders, among others.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Preamble
...
Seizing this opportunity to make concerted efforts to work together, through dialogue, negotiations, consultations, and willingness to cooperate and compromise to create a constructive framework towards a peaceful, secure, and more prosperous South Sudan for all;
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Preamble
...
Aware of the existing political environment, that has created mistrust and left the country unstable, we seek to embrace consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building by having an inclusive process with the representatives of R-TGONU, Opposition Groups and Non-Signatory Groups, as well as civil society organizations and stakeholders including women's groups, youth groups, religious leaders, among others.
Commitments
...
To agree to open civic and political spaces, and to allow citizens to participate in peaceful political processes and to respect, protect and guarantee the freedom of expression, assembly and association;
...
To underscore the sovereignty of the People of South Sudan and their fundamental rights to participate in the affairs of their country, commit to promote an open civic and political space for public sensitization to foster ownership of the Tumaini Initiative; and
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of speech
Commitments
...
To agree to open civic and political spaces, and to allow citizens to participate in peaceful political processes and to respect, protect and guarantee the freedom of expression, assembly and association;
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of association
Commitments
...
To agree to open civic and political spaces, and to allow citizens to participate in peaceful political processes and to respect, protect and guarantee the freedom of expression, assembly and association;
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: Commitments
...
To build the nation, to conduct a democratic transition, and to ensure sustainable peace through robust and innovative implementation mechanisms for the mutually agreed outcomes as per clear timelines;
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistance
Commitments
...
To Commit or Recommit to the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (COHA) of 2017 in Addis, and to work towards a permanent ceasefire, creating a conducive environment for dialogue and humanitarian assistance;
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Commitments
...
To Commit or Recommit to the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (COHA) of 2017 in Addis, and to work towards a permanent ceasefire, creating a conducive environment for dialogue and humanitarian assistance;
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Preamble
...
Firmly believing that a renewed commitment to an inclusive peace process is an essential one that addresses the root causes of conflict and fosters a truly inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected;
Conscious that the Tumaini Initiative provides infinite hope, means, ends, and ways, to consider the greater interest of the nation and enable South Sudanese to address the long-standing divisions and conflicts that threaten the very existence of South Sudan as a peaceful country; and
...
Aware of the existing political environment, that has created mistrust and left the country unstable, we seek to embrace consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building by having an inclusive process with the representatives of R-TGONU, Opposition Groups and Non-Signatory Groups, as well as civil society organizations and stakeholders including women's groups, youth groups, religious leaders, among others.
Commitments
...
To firmly renounce violence as a means of resolving differences and call upon all South Sudanese citizens to engage in constructive dialogue, fostering an environment where grievances can be addressed peacefully;
...
To set aside our individual differences and to compromise our political differences for the sake of the nation, and through open and honest discussions, we will identify and implement practical solutions to the multiple challenges facing South Sudan;

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: Commitments
...
Mediators
Lt. Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Rtd)
Chair/Chief Mediator
Amb. Dr. Mohamed Ali Guyo
Co-Chair/Deputy Mediator
Amb. Ismail Wais
Co-Mediator
IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan
Tobias Mueller
Co-Mediator
Community of Sant’Eigidio
Host Government – on behalf of Lead Mediator
Dr. A. Korir SingOei
Principal Secretary
State Department of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Kenya
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

Tumaini Initiative

Declaration of Commitment to the Tumaini (Hope) Initiative For The South Sudan Peace Process

Nairobi, 16th of May 2024

High Level Mediation for South Sudan 2024

Preamble

Cognizant of the sovereign power of the People of South Sudan, regretting their suffering and insecurity, and aware of the urgent demand for durable peace through the Tumaini (Hope) Initiative of High-Level Mediation for South Sudan in Nairobi;

Grateful for the active political support to the Mediation by H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for taking initiative to contact H.E William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya, to mediate in order to bring an end to the current crisis in South Sudan;

Sincerely appreciating HE William Ruto, and his government for accepting the request of H.E Salva Kiir and his swift action and leadership in initiating this process;

Recognizing the role of IGAD and regional actors in mediating and guaranteeing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS);

Taking note with gratitude of the progress made during the Rome Initiative under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio and the relentless efforts of His Holiness Pope Francis for peace in South Sudan;

Firmly believing that a renewed commitment to an inclusive peace process is an essential one that addresses the root causes of conflict and fosters a truly inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected;

Conscious that the Tumaini Initiative provides infinite hope, means, ends, and ways, to consider the greater interest of the nation and enable South Sudanese to address the long-standing divisions and conflicts that threaten the very existence of South Sudan as a peaceful country; and

Appreciating the support of the Troika and other international partners, who have walked with the people of South Sudan in the path of state and nation-building, as well as peace-building.

Aware that, the People of South Sudan who have the sovereign power, are looking to the Revitalized-Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU), Opposition Groups, and Non-Signatories to the R-ARCSS, as well as other Stakeholders of the Tumaini Initiative, to ensure that the country attains sustainable peace and development;

Seizing this opportunity to make concerted efforts to work together, through dialogue, negotiations, consultations, and willingness to cooperate and compromise to create a constructive framework towards a peaceful, secure, and more prosperous South Sudan for all;

Acknowledging that the Mediation has had a positive start by adopting the Rules of Procedure on 3 May 2024, by referencing the Rome Declaration on the Peace Process in South Sudan of 12 January 2020, and by adopting the agenda on the basis of the signed Declaration of Principles (DOP) of 10 March 2021 in Naivasha;

Recognizing the critical need for a negotiated settlement, thus, committing to the Mediation as led by the Chief Mediator Lt.

Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Rtd), this declaration presents an opportunity that provides a durable solution for the People of South Sudan, and further appreciate the Mediation for ensuring focused engagement of all parties to put the interests of the People of South Sudan at the heart of the process;

Taking this opportunity to mobilize all out shared wisdom and knowledge towards greater appreciation and resolution of the armed violence, inter-communal-conflict, attacks against civilians, and cattle rustling;

that continues to threaten the fragile peace.

Aware of the existing political environment, that has created mistrust and left the country unstable, we seek to embrace consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building by having an inclusive process with the representatives of R-TGONU, Opposition Groups and Non-Signatory Groups, as well as civil society organizations and stakeholders including women's groups, youth groups, religious leaders, among others.

Commitments

This Declaration serves as a solemn pledge of our collective determination and commitment.

We aim to establish a practical framework for achieving lasting peace in South Sudan, laying the cornerstone for a future free from violence.

Through this Declaration, we the signatories, formally pledge our commitment to the following:

To firmly renounce violence as a means of resolving differences and call upon all South Sudanese citizens to engage in constructive dialogue, fostering an environment where grievances can be addressed peacefully;

To agree to open civic and political spaces, and to allow citizens to participate in peaceful political processes and to respect, protect and guarantee the freedom of expression, assembly and association;

To set aside our individual differences and to compromise our political differences for the sake of the nation, and through open and honest discussions, we will identify and implement practical solutions to the multiple challenges facing South Sudan;

To remain committed to the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan, Tumaini Initiative, under the auspices of H.E William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, as led by the Chief Mediator, Lt.

Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Rtd);

To Commit or Recommit to the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (COHA) of 2017 in Addis, and to work towards a permanent ceasefire, creating a conducive environment for dialogue and humanitarian assistance;

To build the nation, to conduct a democratic transition, and to ensure sustainable peace through robust and innovative implementation mechanisms for the mutually agreed outcomes as per clear timelines;

To call on parties who have not yet joined the High-Level Mediation to participate and play an active role in this process;

To call on the African Union, Regional and International Partners to provide political, diplomatic and financial support to this process and guarantee the implementation of its outcomes;

To agree, that the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan shall proceed as a sustained and continuous negotiation, in an inclusive, creative, innovative and dynamic manner until a peaceful settlement is achieved;

To underscore the sovereignty of the People of South Sudan and their fundamental rights to participate in the affairs of their country, commit to promote an open civic and political space for public sensitization to foster ownership of the Tumaini Initiative; and

To negotiate in good faith, in order to build confidence and trust.

Signed on the 16 day of May 2024 by:

Revitalized-Transitional Government of National Unity

Hon. Amb.

Albino Mathom Aboug

Head of Delegation

South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA)

General Paul Malong Awan

Chairman and C-in-C

South Sudan United Front/ Army

General Pa’gan Amum Okiech

Chairman

Real-SPLM

South Sudan United National Alliance (SSUNA)

General Stephen Buoy Rolnyang

Chairman and C-in-C

South Sudan People’s Movement / Army

National Salvation Front – Revolutionary Command Council

General Mario Loku Thomas Jada

Chairman and C-in-C

Stakeholder Representatives

Dr Ayak Chol Deng

Representative

Civil Society Forum

Abraham Akec Awolich

Representative

People’s Coalition for Civil Action

Mediators

Lt. Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Rtd)

Chair/Chief Mediator

Amb. Dr. Mohamed Ali Guyo

Co-Chair/Deputy Mediator

Amb. Ismail Wais

Co-Mediator

IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan

Tobias Mueller

Co-Mediator

Community of Sant’Eigidio

Host Government – on behalf of Lead Mediator

Dr. A. Korir SingOei

Principal Secretary

State Department of Foreign Affairs

Republic of Kenya

Tumaini Initiative: Declaration of Commitment to the Tumaini (hope) Initiative for the South Sudan Peace Process

Groups

Gender

State definition

Governance

Power sharing

Human rights and equality

Rights related issues

Rights institutions

Justice sector reform

Socio-economic reconstruction

Land, property and environment

Security sector

Transitional justice

Implementation

Source agreement