High-Level Mediation Talks for South Sudan: African Presidents Gather in Kenya for Peace Talks

High-level mediation discussions for South Sudan commenced in Kenya, with African leaders in attendance.

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan expressed gratitude to Kenyan President William Ruto for hosting the talks and hoped for a shared commitment to peace from opposition groups.

The negotiations involve the government and rebel opposition factions not included in the 2018 peace agreement that concluded the five-year civil war.

President William Ruto of Kenya emphasized the necessity of inclusive and locally-driven solutions to African challenges. The meeting followed an African Union agricultural summit.

Additional African presidents present at the meeting were Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia, and Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic.