President William Ruto, at the request of President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, has appointed former Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo as the Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process.
Further, in the list of appointments the president also appointed Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo as the Assistant Mediator for the peacekeeping mediation for South Sudan.
Ruto revealed that his South Sudanese counterpart had sought assistance in facilitating talks in Nairobi with various factions, including opposition groups, religious bodies, and civil society organizations, as the country gears up for elections scheduled for December this year.
The discussions aim to foster consensus and peace in preparation for the upcoming elections. Sumbeiywo was chosen for his extensive experience in the South Sudan peace process, particularly his pivotal role in negotiating and signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005.
Recognizing Sumbeiywo’s expertise and contributions, Ruto appointed him as Chief Mediator from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. In his capacity, Sumbeiywo will spearhead the day-to-day leadership of the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process, facilitating negotiations and fostering interaction among all parties involved to achieve peace and political stability.
Sumbeiywo will directly report to Ruto, providing monthly updates and periodic reports to stakeholders, including the Advisory Panel, Partners Forum, and Stakeholders Forum, among others. This appointment underscores Kenya’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in South Sudan and promoting regional stability.
