Kenya halts mediation in South Sudan crisis at Juba’s request
Ruto said he had met with the opposition delegation and, at the request of the South Sudanese government, agreed to temporarily pause the negotiations.
President William Ruto has suspended the ongoing mediation talks between the South Sudan government and opposition hold-out groups until March 2025.
In a statement on X on Thursday, Ruto said he had met with the opposition delegation and, at the request of the South Sudanese government, agreed to temporarily pause the negotiations.
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“Met the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan and agreed, at the request of the South Sudan Government delegation, that the mediation process that has been going on in Nairobi adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward,” he said.
Kenya has been leading the mediation efforts for the past 11 months, following a request by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The process seeks to end the country’s political stalemate, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and security challenges.
The Opposition Hold-Out Group delegation was led by General Pagan Amum, alongside Gen Paul Malong, Gen Stephen Buoy, Gen Mario Lada, Mr Lual Dau, and Dr Cirinho Hiteng.
Ruto’s announcement came as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan, the Political Civil and Social Forces, and the Armed Struggle Movements cancelled a planned press conference in Nairobi. The event was meant to announce the formation of the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS), a parallel government in RSF-controlled areas.
On Wednesday, Kenya defended its decision to host the RSF in Nairobi despite criticism from the Sudanese government, which accused it of interfering in its internal affairs.
The RSF, a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army, held an event in Nairobi on Tuesday to discuss plans for a political transition. The move angered Sudan’s leadership, which claimed Kenya had violated its sovereignty.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended Kenya’s position, saying the country’s involvement aligned with its commitment to supporting Sudan’s political resolution.
He maintained that Kenya’s role in hosting the discussions was in line with its broader peace negotiation efforts.
“RSF and Sudanese civilian groups’ tabling of a roadmap and proposed leadership in Nairobi are compatible with Kenya’s role in peace negotiation, which enjoins her to provide non-partisan platforms to conflict parties to seek resolutions,” he said.
Mudavadi also highlighted Kenya’s history in brokering peace agreements, citing the 2002 Machakos Protocol, which played a key role in ending Sudan’s second civil war.
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