South Sudan opposition leaders have threatened to boycott the ongoing peace process dubbed “TUMAINI INITIATIVE” that was initiated by Kenyan President Dr William Ruto and his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Speaking to journalist in Nairobi on Monday the 1st July, the leaders have accused the mediators for contravening the Tumani initiative declaration of commitment signed on the May 16th 2024 that required all the parties that were not initially present to be enjoyed in the peace making process.
led by Dr Emmanuel Sunday De John, South Sudan United Front progressive (SSUF-P),Prof Deng Vanang chairman and the commander in Chief, United Democratic Revolutionary Movement/Army(UDRM/A) and Major general Peter Choul Gatluak chairman and commander in chief,Nilotia people’s Movement/Nailotia People Defence Forces (NPM/NPDF) says the process of people making have been hijacked by some leaders who have personal interest and not for the nation.
“The tumaini initiative, contrary to its intended purpose,has become a platform for a selected few,the initiative was the idea of Malong’s friends in Juba to further their own interests. Said Dr Emmanuel Sunday De John.
They have now issued a list of demands to the initiators of the peace process President Dr William Ruto of Kenya and his counterpart Salva Kiir of South Sudan to review and re-asses the process so that it can gain it’s trust to the leaders and the people of South Sudan especially the leaders who were sidelined.
They have also asked for the inclusion of all credible actors including the parties, civil societies and all the fiction that are dedicated to rebuild the nation,but not a group of people and individuals who perpetuated mistakes and conflicts among the people of South Sudan.
“By denying other opposition groups a chance to participate in the peace process that they are not a threat militarily is an acceptable, Violence of threats of violence must not be rewarded”Said Dr Emmanuel.
They have also called for international community, and especially the TROIKA nations to be cautious in funding the TUMAINI INITIATIVE in its current form.
