President Ruto Appoints 2 Kenyans To Lead South Sudan Peace Process

President William Ruto has appointed former Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo as the Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process.

In a statement from State House on March 29, Ruto made the appointment following a request from South Sudan President Salva Kiir to facilitate talks in Nairobi with opposition groups and other sections of society in that country.

The Head of State also appointed Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo as the Assistant Mediator in the process.

Speaking after making the appointments, President Ruto said the talks which include holdout opposition groups organised under the rubric of South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious groups, and civil society are meant to achieve consensus and peace towards the conduct of the South Sudan election slated for December this year.

Ruto explained that he appointed Sumbeiywo as Chief Mediator due to his experience in the South Sudan peace process nearly 20 years ago.

"Based on your wealth of experience and invaluable contribution in negotiating and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, I appoint you as the Chief Mediator from April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025," said President Ruto.

The President mentioned that Sumbeiywo would provide "the day-to-day leadership of the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process on his behalf.

The former army commander will also facilitate negotiations and interaction among the parties to achieve peace and political stability in South Sudan.

Sumbeiywo will report directly to President Ruto and provide monthly reports. He will further provide periodic updates to all stakeholders including the Advisory Panel, Partners Forum, and Stakeholders Forum, among others.