The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
President William Ruto has announced the suspension of the mediation process between South Sudan’s government and the Opposition Hold-Out Group.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
The suspension will remain in place until March 2025, following a request from the South Sudan government delegation. The President stated that this pause would allow for consultations that will guide the next steps in the process.
In a statement on X, after meeting with the Opposition Hold-Out Group, Ruto said, “I met with the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan and, at the request of the South Sudan Government delegation, agreed to adjourn the ongoing mediation in Nairobi until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward.”
He further explained that Kenya has been facilitating the process for the past 11 months, upon the request of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, in an effort to resolve the political deadlock, which has led to significant humanitarian and security challenges.
The Opposition Hold-Out Group delegation was headed by General Pagan Amum, with other members including Gen Paul Malong, Gen Stephen Buoy, Gen Mario Lada, Mr. Lual Dau, and Dr. Cirinho Hiteng.
In April 2024, former Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo took over as the chief mediator for the South Sudan conflict, succeeding Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, who had led the process for months.
Ruto appointed Sumbeiywo as the chief mediator between the South Sudan government and the opposition groups, citing his experience and pivotal role in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that helped establish Southern Sudan’s autonomy and led to the creation of South Sudan in 2011.
In his appointment, Ruto emphasized Sumbeiywo’s invaluable contributions and deep understanding of the issues, and appointed him as the chief mediator from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
