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