The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, speaking on behalf of 13 citizen stakeholders who signed the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R- ARCSS) as witnesses, declared that civil society will take primary responsibility to
mediate between the country’s political leaders. “South Sudan is in a confused and stacked position. All previous peace efforts, including the R-ARCSS, the Tumaini Initiative, and the Rome peace process, have reached stalemates,” Yakani said. “It is time for us, as citizens, to initiate a constructive homegrown approach to revive dialogue and push for a national consensus.”

The announcement comes after months of failed attempts to bring both signatory and non-signatory parties together. The Tumaini Initiative, facilitated by President Salva Kiir and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto, was intended to foster inclusive dialogue with opposition groups. Similarly, the Rome peace process under the Community of Sant’Egidio sought to broaden political inclusivity following the Vatican-hosted spiritual retreat. However, the announcement comes after months of failed attempts to bring both signatory and non-signatory parties together.

The Tumaini Initiative, facilitated by President Salva Kiir and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto, was intended to foster inclusive dialogue with opposition groups. Similarly, the Rome peace process, led by the Community of Sant’Egidio, sought to broaden political inclusivity following the Vatican-hosted spiritual retreat. However, Yakani noted that all these efforts had stalled due to entrenched political mistrust and disagreements over the implementation of pending provisions in the peace deal. “Citizens have paid an expensive price since 2013. We believe violence is not a viable option for resolving political differences. Dialogue remains the only way forward.”
Yakani stressed, appealing to all political actors to embrace a genuine, inclusive, and unconditional dialogue.
It remains unclear whether political leaders will heed to this envisioned viable move planned to officially commence on September 12, marking the anniversary of the signing of the R-ARCSS, and will run until September 21, International Peace Day.

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Source: Civil Society launches homegrown peace dialogue amid stalled processes – Standard Zone News