Mediation for South Sudan has hit its first milestone in the ongoing mediation process.
This is after parties signed their first declaration of commitment to the Tumaini (Hope) Initiative for the South Sudan Peace Process.
The mediation process was led by Chief mediator Lazaro Sumbeiywo.
The mediation process aims to address the long-standing divisions and confrontations in South Sudan to achieve sustainable peace in the country.
President William Ruto has acknowledged the contributions of Friends of South Sudan towards restoring peace and stability in the country.
"We are looking forward to the success of the "Tumaini Initiative," which promises to empower South Sudanese to build a prosperous future for their country and region," the President said.
Ruto held talks with South Sudan donor groups in the company of Sumbeiywo at State House Nairobi.
Friends of South Sudan were envoys US Ambassador to Kenya (United States of America), FCDO (British High Commissioner) Neil Wigan, Zhou Pingjian (China), Khalid Abdullah Al Salman (Saudi Arabia) and Gunner Andreas Holm (Norway).
Others are Sebastian Groth (Germany), Roberto Natali (Italy), Henriette Geiger (EU), Mohamed Bin Mutair Al-Enazi (Qatar) and Salim Ibrahim Al Naqbi (United Arab Emirates).
On May 7, the President while receiving the progress report from the chief mediator of the South Sudan peace process Sumbeiywo, said he was impressed by the South Sudan peace process.
"Kenya is impressed by the South Sudan peace process, recognising the importance of stability in the neighbouring state and the region," he said.
"Received a progress report from South Sudan Chief Mediator Lt Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo on the peace process ahead of the inauguration of the mediation team later this week."
The warring groups include holdout opposition groups organised under the rubric of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious groups and civil society.
