South Sudan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mr. Thomas Keneth

South Sudan is prioritizing preparations for general elections and inter-party dialogue to consolidate peace rather than the Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. South Sudan is prioritizing preparations for general elections and inter-party dialogue to consolidate peace rather than the Kenya-led Tumaini Initiative, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Tumaini Initiative (“Hope” in Swahili) is a Kenya-led high-level mediation process launched in May 2024 to bring peace to South Sudan, bringing together the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement.

The talks stalled in February 2025. They were due to resume in Nairobi on Feb. 9, 2026, focusing on inclusivity, security reforms and developing a National Consensus Charter to govern post-election arrangements, but were later paused during the recent African Union summit in Addis Ababa and meetings of the AU Committee known as the C5, led by South Africa.

Thomas Kenneth Elisapana, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters at a weekly briefing in Juba: “About Tumaini [Initiative], we recognize Kenya’s efforts in pursuing peace in the country; however, government focus now is consolidation of peace and stability in South Sudan, including general elections and inter-party dialogue that was endorsed by the African Union and our partners,” Kenneth said.

Kenneth said the government’s diplomatic outreach aims to strengthen ties with international partners, which he described as essential for advancing national interests.

During the question-and-answer session, Kenneth declined to disclose how much South Sudan owes to regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), saying the information would be provided later. He acknowledged that delays in paying membership fees can create challenges.