
South Sudan’s stalled peace talks are set to resume following a directive from President Salva Kiir and Kenyan President William Ruto. The two leaders, who met on Wednesday, called on the mediation team to reconvene and resolve outstanding issues within two weeks.
The peace discussions had initially paused after Riek Machar’s party withdrew in July, protesting mediator plans to replace the 2018 peace agreement. The accord, which ended a devastating five-year civil war claiming over 400,000 lives, remains partially implemented.
South Sudan, grappling with delayed elections, pushed its December 2023 elections to 2025 to fulfill key processes outlined in the 2018 agreement. This delay has heightened tensions as the country seeks a stable electoral environment amidst economic challenges.
Since May, the Tumaini peace initiative has aimed to include non-signatory groups in hopes of achieving sustained peace. However, new security legislation allowing detentions without warrants has stirred unease among participants and international observers.
Western diplomats and human rights organizations criticized the law, warning it could deepen South Sudan’s fragile political landscape. Many fear this new power could be misused, undermining justice and further endangering citizens.
Adding to South Sudan’s burdens is an ongoing economic crisis marked by a year-long delay in civil servant salaries. Disruptions to oil exports, due to a damaged pipeline in war-torn Sudan, have compounded the country’s financial woes.