PHOTOS: Ruto lands in Juba ahead of peace talks with Salva Kiir
By Mustafa Juma, November 6, 2024
President William Ruto has arrived in Juba, South Sudan ahead of his planned pace talks with President Salva Kiir.
Photos shared by State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, show President Ruto being received by Kiir.
Military guard of honour
Ruto also inspected a military guard of honour upon his arrival in Juba.
Ruto’s prior discussions
State House in a statement revealed that President Ruto held discussions with a government delegation from South Sudan prior to his visit to Juba.
The Head of State also met South Sudanese opposition parties’ representatives in the Tumaini Initiative on Tuesday, November 15, in Nairobi.
The two groups have confirmed their readiness to sign the Tumaini Consensus, a product of inclusive negotiations.
Kenya has been hosting negotiations between the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity and other groups to advance the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the South Sudan Peace Agreement.
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗨𝗗𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) November 6, 2024
President @WilliamsRuto has arrived in Juba, South Sudan, for talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit over the peace process called the Tumaini Initiative.
Last week, President… pic.twitter.com/hZVKkXuluY
President Ruto left the country for South Sudan on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, on the invitation of President Kiir.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a press statement issued shortly after Ruto’s departure said the Head of State’s trip to Juba is an official visit aimed at consolidating the South Sudanese political transition through the Tumaini Peace Consensus.
Ruto-Kiir commitment
The visit comes after South Sudan President Salva Kiir and President Ruto reaffirmed their commitment to shared growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
The two leaders are said to have reaffirmed their commitment when Kiir visited Kenya on August 27, 2024, during the launch of Kenya’s African Union Commission candidature of Raila Odinga.
“President William Ruto departs for Juba, South Sudan, today for an official visit aimed at consolidating the South Sudanese political transition through the Tumaini Peace Consensus.
“This visit follows President Salva Kiir’s recent trip to Nairobi on August 27, 2024, where he attended the launch of Kenya’s African Union Commission candidacy. During that visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to shared growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development,” Mohamed said in the statement.
The Tumaini initiative, proposed by President Kiir and supported by Kenya and several development partners, represents a progressive model for inclusive peace-building.