(NAIROBI) – The Chief Mediator of the Tumaini Peace Initiative, General Lazarus Sumbeyiyo, paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of South Sudan in Nairobi on 22 July 2025, where he held discussions with the Head of Mission, Ambassador Anthony Kon.
Ambassador Kon warmly welcomed General Sumbeyiyo and thanked him for taking the time to visit the embassy. The ambassador noted that he is still settling into his new diplomatic assignment and has not yet received full briefings regarding the Tumaini Peace Initiative or the status of ongoing mediation efforts.
Despite this, Ambassador Kon reaffirmed that peace remains a priority for the Government of South Sudan. He cited the recent address by President Salva Kiir Mayardit during the opening of the National Legislative Assembly, where the president reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to peace and national reconciliation.
The meeting was described as cordial and constructive. Both Ambassador Kon and General Sumbeyiyo recognised the importance of sustained diplomatic and regional engagement in helping to foster long term stability in South Sudan.
The Tumaini Peace Initiative has gained attention as one of several regional efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue among South Sudanese political and armed groups. Although the initiative remains in its early stages, regional actors such as Kenya have continued to show interest in offering neutral platforms for discussions.
The embassy did not provide further details about possible follow up meetings, but noted its readiness to cooperate with all regional peace initiatives that support unity, development and reconciliation in South Sudan.
