“The prophet Isaiah did not only prophesy doom and destruction but also healing and restoration of the Sudan.”

– Hon. Pagan Amun Okech, Representative of the Holdout Opposition Groups

On June 26th, the Inter-Religious Council of East Africa (IRCEA) in partnership with Fellowship of Christian Churches and Councils in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA), and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) hosted a solidarity consultation and prayer meeting with the delegates to the Kenya-led South Peace negotiations in Kenya, known as the Tumaini initiative. The Tumaini peace process, initiated by President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, seeks to mediate between the Transitional Government of National Unity and the holdout armed opposition groups not part of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Amid the current stalemate in South Sudan’s transitional arrangements  – marked by political uncertainties, economic downturns, intercommunal conflicts, natural disasters like floods, and the looming risk of conflict relapse – South Sudanese citizens, regional actors, and the international community view the Tumaini peace process as a crucial step towards a successful transition.

The Peacemakers Network alongside partners Finn Church Aid (FCA) South Sudan, South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), the South Sudan Islamic Council, and representatives of heads of governments from the international community, gathered together, each contributing their perspectives on the proceeding peace processes in South Sudan.

Faith leaders from ten African countries participated, and the event was presided over by a distinguished panel of nine faith leaders from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Benin, Somaliland, and South Sudan. It was co-chaired by the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Archdicese of Gulu, Archbishop John Baptist Odama, Rev. Tut Thomas the Chair of the South Sudan of Council of Churches, and Most Rev. Paul Yugusuk, the Episcopal Church of South Sudan Archbishop of Central Equatoria Internal Province who officially represented the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, His Grace Justin Badi Arama.

Supported by the Peacemakers Network and FCA South Sudan, the consultation aimed to enhance the active and meaningful participation of religious and faith leaders in the mediation processes and to call for their continued support. It was a space provided to discuss the challenges and concerns of the Eastern Africa region regarding the outcome of the ongoing peace talks, expectations for significant change, the facilitation of South Sudan’s transition, and the guarantee of sustainable peace and development within the region.  Participants shared their perspectives on the progress made towards those expectations of peace and considered opportunities to raise awareness about the South Sudanese political transition and best practices in the region.

“[We the leaders and international communities must unite] to speak for the voiceless citizens who cannot speak for themselves. [We] should be catalysts of peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

– Dr. Ayak Chol, Representative of the civil society

Participants listening to the panel discussion at the consultative meeting. 2024.

What’s next for religious actors and their communities in South Sudan?

Participants shared their views on the ongoing peace talks, highlighting the commitment from Kenya and international support for the Tumaini initiative. Although challenges such as failure of commitment to processes due to improper implementation of the 2018 agreement was raised, it was emphasized that the role of religious leaders and actors to implement these processes are crucial due to their influence within their communities. 

The regional faith leaders in attendance have extensive experience and a strong international reputation, making them influential advocates in challenging socio-political contexts like South Sudan; and given the restrictive civic spaces in South Sudan, their voices are crucial. Thus, it was emphasized that the importance of building and strengthening partnerships and solidarity programs can efficiently address civic-peace elections, coexistence, reconciliation, forgiveness, justice, and integration of refugees. 

Religious leaders committed to continue their collaboration with other actors to promote reconciliation and dialogue. They pledged to help shape robust monitoring mechanisms for future agreements and ensure the implementation of the Tumaini initiative. The meeting concluded with a prayer session and candlelight, symbolizing unity and peace. From previous consultations held, participants were informed of the latest policy briefs developed by the Peacemakers Network including ‘Ringing the Bell: A Call for Peaceful Elections in South Sudan,’ and ‘Preparing for Inclusive and Peaceful Elections.’

Peacemakers Network staff together with FECCLAHA and the Interreligious Council of East Africa. 2024.