President William Ruto has appointed former Army Commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo as the Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process, with Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo serving as the Assistant Mediator. 

This decision, experts portend, is a significant diplomatic move in response to President Salva Kiir's request to promote peace and stability in South Sudan.

The talks will be held in Nairobi and will involve a variety of stakeholders, including opposition groups affiliated with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious groups, and civil society.

President Ruto's decision was made with a view to facilitating talks aimed at achieving consensus and peace ahead of the scheduled elections in South Sudan by December this year. 

The talks aim to pave the way for peaceful elections while also ensuring broader societal representation in the political process. 

The appointment of Mr. Sumbeiywo, known for his involvement in the South Sudan peace process nearly two decades ago, demonstrates President Ruto's commitment to leveraging conflict resolution expertise.

President Ruto lauded Sumbeiywo's past contributions, particularly in negotiating and signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, as he entrusts him with the pivotal role of Chief Mediator. 

"Based on your wealth of experience and invaluable contribution in negotiating and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, I appoint you as the Chief Mediator from April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025," he said.

Sumbeiywo's mandate includes providing day-to-day leadership, facilitating negotiations among the parties involved, and, ultimately, working for peace and political stability in South Sudan.

Sumbeiywo will report directly to President Ruto on a monthly basis and provide periodic updates to stakeholders such as the Advisory Panel, Partners Forum, and Stakeholders Forum. 

The appointment of Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo as Assistant Mediator supplements Sumbeiywo's role, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mediation efforts.