President Salva Kiir Visits Former President Moi, commends him for role in peace building in South Sudan

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir (left) with Former President Daniel Arap Moi (center) and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi when he visited the former head of State at his Kabarak home in Nakuru county on May 30,2019. [Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

South Sudan President Salva Kiir yesterday visited former President Daniel arap Moi at his Kabarak home.

President Kiir, who was received by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi at Kabarak, in Nakuru, held one hour talks with the retired President, largely dwelling on peace initiatives in Africa.

According to a statement released by the office of the former President, Kiir appreciated Moi for his efforts to bring sustainable peace and stability of South Sudan and the greater horn of Africa.

“They discussed peace initiatives in the country, with President Kiir appreciating Mzee Moi’s efforts towards sustainable peace and stability of South Sudan and greater horn of Africa,” the statement read.

Moi played a vital role in the process that finally birthed Africa’s youngest nation.

He was a pillar in merging Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) peace initiative with the Libyan-Egyptian initiative.

The then US peace envoy, John Danforth, brought Moi and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on board, urging them to work together in the peace effort, which later succeeded in reconciling the two regional peace initiatives.

In one of his speeches at the Igad summit in Sudan in July 2001, Moi condemned the stubbornness of the sides involved in the conflict and their refusal to embrace peace.

Nearly collapsing

By then, ongoing peace talks were nearly collapsing and hopes of an early peace agreement dimming.

Kiir’s visit came months after Gideon visited South Sudan. During the visit, the Senator held a closed-door meeting with the President at State House in Juba.

The two leaders discussed peace building processes in Africa’s youngest country geared towards long-lasting stability.

South Sudan has been struggling to restore peace following numerous clashes between the military and rebels allied to former Vice President Riek Machar.

Kenya has continued to play a major role in restoring stability in South Sudan.

Yesterday, Moi wished Kiir well in his efforts to stabilise the country and the region and urged him to be steadfast in his pursuit of peace to alleviate the suffering of the people of South Sudan.

Kiir was accompanied by South Sudan Foreign Minister Nhial Deng Nhial, Director General External Security Thomas Doath, South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya Chol Mawut and Executive Director Rizig Dominic.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Petroleum John Munyes was also present.