Ruto in South Sudan to strengthen peace, economic relations

President William Ruto arrived in Juba, South Sudan, on Wednesday for an official visit aimed at consolidating the South Sudanese political transition through the Tumaini Peace Consensus.

The Tumaini peace-building initiative, launched in May, was proposed by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and supported by Kenya and several development partners.

Ruto, Kiir and former Kenyan Army Commander and Chief Mediator Major-Gen Lazarus Sumbeiywo are the lead initiative mediators.

The two groups have confirmed their readiness to sign the Tumaini Consensus.

Ruto and Kiir’s discussions will also address strategic regional infrastructure projects, including the LAPSSET Corridor, according to a communiqué shared by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed ahead of the President's trip.

They will also discuss matters related to the African Union, he added.

Ruto’s visit follows Kiir’s trip to Nairobi on August 27 for the launch of Kenya’s African Union Commission candidacy.

During that visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to shared growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.