President William speaks during a past event. /PCSPresident William Ruto has sustained continued commitment in spearheading regional peace initiatives by advocating for dialogue as the best solution to restoration of security in South Sudan.
Ruto has been at the forefront in calling for a ceasefire in the troubled Africa's youngest state, leveraging his status as the chairman of the East African Community to urge the feuding sides to put their differences aside for the country's sake.
The President said he on Thursday spoke with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar about the escalating security situation in the country.
"I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country even as the region works towards the stabilisation of South Sudan under IGAD's Strategic Framework," Ruto said.
"I also informed the two leaders that regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan."
South Sudan first plunged into civil war in December 2013 in a conflict triggered by political disagreement within the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).
The violence fuelled by a history of ethnic tensions spread across the country causing mass displacement of civilians as government and opposition forces
The instability has persisted despite repeated attempts at peace agreements and cease-fires in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2024.
The June 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan led to a cease-fire and the formation of a unity government, but implementation of the agreement has been slow, and violence has persisted.
Kenya brokered peace talks dubbed "Tumaini Initiative’’ resumed in late November 2024 after three months of standstill, incorporating major holdout groups that did not sign the 2018 Juba Agreement.
Among the armed groups that signed the deal include the Sudan Liberation Army Movement, The Arko Minawi wing, the Justice and Equality Movement, and the popular movement, Malik Aqar's wing, along with other factions.
The Nairobi Tumaini Initiative complements IGAD's commitment to supporting implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
