Sumbeiywo assumes Chief Mediator role on South Sudan crisis » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 3 — Major General (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo has officially taken on the role of Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Process after a formal handover by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei on Wednesday.
The Foreign Office exuded confidence in the former Kenya Army Commander, who also served as Kenya’s Special Envoy to the IGAD-led Sudanese peace process (1997–98) and mediator from 2001 to 2005, noting he is well-versed in the complexities of conflict resolution.
He assumed alongside his deputy Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guy.
“After months of work, I was privileged to hand over leadership to Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Lazarus Sumbeiywo and Amb. Mohammed Ali Guyo, following their appointment by H.E. President William Ruto as the Chief Mediator and Deputy Mediator respectively to the South Sudan Mediation Process,” Sing’oei said.
PS Sing’oei disclosed that he briefed the two on the developments since the process commenced in January and the monumental task ahead.
The Foreign Office expressed confidence in the ability of the two mediators to push for peace.
“Undoubtedly, General Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Guyo bring immense experience to bear on the task,” Sing’oei said.
The PS said he had since activated a Secretariat at the State Department for Foreign Affairs to support Maj Gen (Rtd) Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Guyo.
President Ruto appointed the two on March 28 following President Salva Kiir’s request to promote peace and stability in South Sudan.
The talks set to be hosted in Nairobi will bring together stakeholders, including opposition groups affiliated with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious groups, and civil society.
Roadmap to December polls
President Ruto appointed the duo to facilitate talks towards consensus and peace ahead of the scheduled elections in South Sudan by December 2024.
The talks aim to pave the way for peaceful elections and ensure broader societal representation in the political process.
President Ruto commended Sumbeiywo’s past contributions, particularly his role in negotiating and signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005.
“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,” he said in an appointment letter.
State House said Sumbeiywo will report directly to President Ruto every month, providing updates to key stakeholders, including the Advisory Panel, Partners Forum, and Stakeholders Forum.
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