Ruto in Juba to Deepen Peace Efforts and Strengthen Ties with South Sudan
President William Ruto landed in Juba, South Sudan, on Wednesday for an official visit centered on advancing peace and economic cooperation with South Sudan. His agenda includes supporting the Tumaini Peace Consensus, an initiative spearheaded by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to aid South Sudan’s political transition, which Kenya has actively endorsed.
The Tumaini initiative, introduced in May, has seen collaborative backing from Kenya and various international development partners. Alongside President Kiir and Major-Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo—a former Kenyan Army Commander and respected mediator—President Ruto is one of the primary figures guiding this peace-building endeavor.
In the lead-up to his visit, Ruto engaged with key South Sudanese stakeholders. Last week, he held talks with a South Sudanese government delegation, followed by discussions with opposition leaders from the Tumaini initiative on Tuesday in Nairobi. These exchanges underscored both parties’ willingness to proceed with the Tumaini Consensus, signaling a shared commitment to lasting peace in South Sudan.
A communiqué from State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed noted that Ruto and Kiir will also tackle crucial regional development projects, particularly the LAPSSET Corridor. The ambitious project, which aims to connect Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, represents a cornerstone of their discussions to enhance infrastructure and economic ties in East Africa.
Additionally, their talks will cover issues pertinent to the African Union, as both nations align efforts to foster regional stability and prosperity.
Ruto’s Juba visit builds on Kiir’s August 27 trip to Nairobi, during which both leaders championed mutual growth, strengthened cooperation, and sustainable development across the region. During that visit, Kiir endorsed Kenya’s African Union Commission candidate, Raila Odinga, signaling the depth of their partnership.
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Ruto in Juba to Deepen Peace Efforts and Strengthen Ties with South Sudan
