Upon the request of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, President William Ruto has appointed Lazarus Sumbeiywo, former Army Commander, as the Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process. Additionally, Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo has been named as the Assistant Mediator.
President Ruto emphasized the urgency of the situation as elections in South Sudan are slated for December of this year. President Kiir sought assistance in facilitating discussions with various groups in Nairobi, including opposition factions grouped under the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious bodies, and civil society organizations. The objective of these talks is to foster consensus and peace, crucial for conducting fair elections.
Lauding Sumbeiywo’s extensive experience in the South Sudan peace process nearly two decades ago, President Ruto appointed him as Chief Mediator. He acknowledged Sumbeiywo’s pivotal role in negotiating and finalizing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. Sumbeiywo’s tenure as Chief Mediator spans from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Sumbeiywo’s mandate entails providing leadership to the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process on a daily basis, facilitating negotiations, and fostering interaction among the concerned parties to ensure peace and political stability in South Sudan. He will directly report to President Ruto and deliver monthly updates, in addition to periodic briefings to various stakeholders such as the Advisory Panel, Partners Forum, and Stakeholders Forum.
