Kenya calls for sustainable peace in South Sudan: Talks begin

Kenyan President William Ruto launched mediation talks on Thursday between parties in South Sudan's peace process, calling for their strong commitment to achieving sustainable peace.

The peace talks, dubbed the Tumaini Initiative, were led by former Kenya Army commander Lazurus Sumbeiywo, who also mediated the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 that paved the way for South Sudan's independence.

Ruto, who launched the talks in Nairobi, said the mediation process is keen on ending conflict and political instability in South Sudan because it is inclusive and home-grown.

"This initiative exemplifies the pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the 'Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative' and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region, and the entire African continent," he said in a statement issued by the presidency.

The Kenyan president lauded the progress made by the Transitional Government of National Unity, the Real-Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), and the South Sudan United Front in the mediation process.