South Sudan Peace Talks Lacking Optimism

The Institute for Defense Analyses Africa Watch published on 8 February 2017 a brief commentary titled "Expectations Are Low for the Second Round of South Sudan Peace Talks" by Sarah Graveline.

The author concluded that if the talks do not go the way the South Sudan government wants, there is little to stop it from continuing its military campaign. Similarly, a leading opposition group has stated its intention to continue fighting should the talks fail.

South Sudan: Little Hope for Settlement

The International Business Times published on 11 August 2015 an article titled "South Sudan Peace Talks Resume with High Stakes but Little Hope for Resolution" by Morgan Winsor.

All of the people interviewed for the article were pessimistic about the prospects for peace in South Sudan following the 17 August deadline set by the international community. 

South Sudan Peace Talks

The International Crisis Group (ICG) published on 12 March 2015 an open letter titled "Restart of South Sudan Talks Critical to Avert End-March War Threat." 

The IGAD-led peace talks have collapsed and been suspended until sometime in April.  The ICG argues that it is critical to restart the talks and expand the membership beyond IGAD-member countries before the end of March.  IGAD is prepared to add China, US, UK, EU, and Norway to the mediation process. 

South Sudan Peace Talks Collapse

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) published on10 March 2015 a commentary titled "South Sudan Peace Talks Collapse, Election Called Off" by Sebastian Gatimu of ISS Nairobi.  The author concluded that South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar have crushed the people's hopes by refusing to make the compromises needed for peace. 

South Sudan Heads towards Famine Amid Descent into Lawlessness

Inter Press Service published on 14 August 2014 an article titled "South Sudan Heads towards Famine Amid Descent into Lawlessness."  It offers a dismal prediction on the likely success of peace talks, commenting that tribal divisions are driving the conflict.  

Abduction of ONLF Representatives in Kenya

Ogaden Today asked me to comment on the abduction this week in Nairobi, Kenya, of two Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) representatives and the implications of this development for peace talks between Ethiopia and the ONLF.  Ogaden Today published my brief response on 2 February 2014.

Face-to-Face Peace Talks Likely to Fail in South Sudan

Foreign Policy published an analysis on 22 January 2014 titled "With Negotiators Like These . . . Peace Talks Won't Solve the Crisis in South Sudan. Africa-Style Justice Will" by George B.N. Ayittey.

Ayittey argues that western-style face-to-face peace talks will not solve the crisis in South Sudan.  What is needed is the use of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms that rely on the role of civil society and local authorities and traditions.  He may have a point.