Hopes as South Sudan peace talks kicks off in Naivasha

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, (centre), and opposition leader Riek Machar (right), shake hands during peace talks at a hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2018. [Reuters]

South Sudanese have a reason to smile after warring parties in the troubled country agreed to put aside their arms and give dialogue a chance. 

After years of bloodshed in which over 380,000 people have died, the government and the opposition have signed the declaration of recommitment to the cessation of hostilities.

The declaration recommits the parties to the Rome process while agreeing to continue with political dialogue as part of the peace process meant to address the root cause of the conflict.

This came as it emerged that the parties had already agreed and resolved 95 per cent of their difference in a truce that is being brokered by Sant’Egidio community of Rome.

Addressing the media in Naivasha where the talks are going on, the teams exuded confidence in a lasting solution to the conflict that has also displaced over 4 million people.

According to Real SPLM leader General Pagan Amum Okiech, they had made huge strides during the last three days of negotiations.

Amum said they had agreed to put down arms and engage in negotiations to end years of suffering and bloodshed with 95 per cent of their difference resolved.

The February 2020 creation of a coalition government between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and former deputy-turned rebel leader Riek Machar was meant to end a deadly conflict that began in 2013.

Since civil war broke out, there have been dozens of cease-fires and peace deals between the two men that have successively collapsed.