Just days after returning from Burundi, President William Ruto is scheduled to travel again on Wednesday November 6, this time to South Sudan.
Ruto is headed to South Sudan at the invitation of President Salva Kiir. This visit aims to strengthen the peace dialogue known as the Tumaini Initiative.
South Sudan’s Press Secretary Lily Martin Manyiel Ayuela confirmed Ruto’s visit and the agenda he will pursue in discussions with President Kiir. The Tumaini Initiative aims to bring lasting peace and cooperation among South Sudan’s political leaders. Ayuela added that the trip allows Ruto to “touch base, compare notes, and update President Kiir on the ongoing peace negotiations held in Kenya”.
William Ruto’s Dedication to Tumaini Initiative
This working visit by President Ruto addresses recent rumors suggesting his reduced interest in the Tumaini Initiative. Some claimed that Ruto might be considering abandoning his role in the initiative. According to Ayuela, the rumors are unfounded. “President William Ruto is on record stating that South Sudan will not return to war on his watch,” she clarified.
Ruto’s Meeting with South Sudan Opposition
On Tuesday, November 5, President Ruto met with representatives from South Sudan’s opposition groups. This meeting, aimed at securing a united stance within the Tumaini Initiative, signified progress as opposition leaders expressed readiness to endorse the Tumaini Consensus.
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“As a follow-up to my recent engagement with the South Sudanese Government delegation, I met with Opposition representatives who confirmed their readiness to sign the Tumaini Consensus,” Ruto said.
Steps Toward Signing the Tumaini Initiative
In his statement, Ruto added that his upcoming meeting with President Kiir will set the stage for the official signing and final implementation of the Tumaini Initiative. This signature, Ruto hopes, will turn the page on years of conflict and pave the way for cooperation among South Sudan’s political factions.
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William Ruto will be seeking to reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to supporting peace in the East African region.
