South Sudan

South Sudan peace talks: Kenya assures safety after General's assassination fears

South Sudan President Salva Kiir meet Lt. Gen (Rtd) Lazaro Sumbeiywo, the head of South Sudan peace talks, on April 25, 2024. (Photo: South Sudan Government)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, May 22, 2024

General Stephen Buoy Rolnyang, the chairman and commander-in-chief of the South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A), had threatened to withdraw from the mediation process.

The Kenya-mediated peace talks to end years of civil war in Sudan are being held in a safe environment, chief mediator Lazaro Sumbeiywo has said, following security concerns raised by a rebel leader who is taking part.

General Stephen Buoy Rolnyang, the chairman and commander-in-chief of the South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A), had threatened to withdraw from the mediation process.

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In a letter addressed to Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sumbeiywo on Monday, Rolnyang requested that his team be allowed to return to their base, claiming he had intelligence that a team was in Kenya to assassinate him.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sumbeiywo said he consulted hotel security, parties in the talks, and civil society and confirmed there was no security threat.

"The Kenya Police Service, hotel security and the complainant reviewed all CCTV footage and were satisfied that no suspicious incident occurred,” he said.

Gen. Sumbeiywo further noted that all parties to the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan affirmed their commitment to the peace process.

“The regrettable incident circulating on social media is under investigation by the relevant security agencies of the Republic of Kenya and the outcome shall be communicated publicly," he added.

Gen. Sumbeiywo directed the delegations representing the various groups and actors to observe the agreed and established rules of procedures, assuring that he would continuously contact them to review operational, administrative, and security matters and ensure a conducive environment for the talks.

The mediation team anticipates a favourable resolution, which could lead to the return of key figures, including Gen. Paul Malong Awan, Rolnyang, and politician Pagan Amum, who now leads his outfit operating under the banner of Real SPLM (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement), to the country to rejoin the government.

Analysts say the political developments may trigger rifts and changes within the government, with certain influential individuals close to the president expected to relinquish their roles to accommodate the figures involved in the peace talks.

Consequently, there is apprehension and resistance to the successful mediation process, as it aims to reinstate competitors to influential positions within the government.