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South Sudan declares Kenyan-led peace talks dead amid escalating tensions in Africa's youngest nation
South Sudan declares Kenyan-led peace talks dead amid escalating tensions in Africa's youngest nation

Business Insider

time01-08-2025

  • Politics
  • Business Insider

South Sudan declares Kenyan-led peace talks dead amid escalating tensions in Africa's youngest nation

South Sudan has officially declared the Kenyan-led Tumaini Peace Initiative defunct, months after the process was quietly suspended amid mounting tensions and deepening mistrust between the Juba government and newly incorporated opposition groups. South Sudan has officially announced the termination of the Kenyan-led Tumaini Peace Initiative. South Sudan raised concerns over financial transparency and the creation of a military wing by opposition groups abroad. Government representatives criticized Tumaini for undermining the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Tumaini undermines existing peace deal – Juba Speaking on behalf of the South Sudanese government delegation, Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk criticised the Tumaini Initiative for straying from its original mandate and attempting to sideline the existing Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in 2018. "The R-ARCSS has not been dissolved, so it cannot be replaced by the Tumaini," Juuk told reporters. "Eighty per cent of what Tumaini quotes is already part of the R-ARCSS. The remaining 10 per cent was not included in the original deal for good reason, you add the few to the majority, not the other way round." The Tumaini Initiative was launched in December 2023 at the request of President Salva Kiir and with Kenya's support. It aimed to reinvigorate South Sudan's stalled peace efforts by involving newly formed opposition movements, including the United People's Alliance. However, Juba now claims the initiative has legitimised rebellion and undermined a functioning peace framework. Accusations of political subversion Juuk further accused Tumaini backers of seeking to "do away with the R-ARCSS so Tumaini can take over, and they come in as the new authority of the land." He said those involved were once part of government and could not now disown policies they had participated in shaping. He also raised concerns about the financial integrity of exiled opposition leaders. "Some of them are living lavishly abroad—renting or buying villas. Where is that money coming from if not looted from South Sudan when they were in power?" he alleged. One of the Tumaini Initiative's central proposals was the creation of a Leadership Council to serve as the apex body of governance, a suggestion Juuk dismissed as a veiled attempt at a coup. "That's a coup by another name. Accepting such a model would set a dangerous precedent of political blackmail," he warned. "Anyone can now gather five supporters, move to Nairobi, and demand peace talks as a new rebel group." He disclosed that South Sudan had officially protested to Kenya over reports that the United People's Alliance had formed a military wing while operating from within Kenyan borders, a move he described as contrary to East African Community (EAC) norms. "You can't allow anyone claiming a dispute with the government to gain legitimacy through rebellion. So it's dead. Tumaini is dead," he stated firmly. The Tumaini talks were adjourned for the third time on 7 February 2025, without any concrete resolutions. Initially hailed as a bold intervention by Kenyan President William Ruto to revive a faltering peace process, after frustrations with the Italy-based Sant'Egidio talks, the Tumaini Initiative now appears to have collapsed under the strain of mutual suspicion and political infighting.

Hamas delegation holds talks with Jihad delegation on latest developments in negotiations
Hamas delegation holds talks with Jihad delegation on latest developments in negotiations

Saba Yemen

time13-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Saba Yemen

Hamas delegation holds talks with Jihad delegation on latest developments in negotiations

Doha - Saba: A delegation from the leadership of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), headed by Mujahid Darwish "Abu Omar," head of the Leadership Council, held talks with a delegation from the Islamic Jihad Movement, headed by the movement's Secretary-General, Ziad al-Nakhala "Abu Tariq," on the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations. The movement said in a press statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) on Sunday: "The two delegations witnessed the enormous sacrifices of the Palestinian people and the human suffering resulting from the crime of genocide and starvation, as well as the daily scenes of massacres at the hands of the Zionist enemy, with the aim of implementing its malicious and dangerous plans against our people and their future." The movement added: "The two delegations also expressed their pride and admiration for the heroic performance of the Mujahideen, their courage, boldness, and daring, and the extent of the losses they inflict daily on the enemy's army." The two delegations discussed developments in the ongoing negotiations, stressing that "any negotiations must lead to the achievement of our people's goals and aspirations, foremost among which are an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of enemy forces, the opening of the crossings, and reconstruction." In this context, the two delegations discussed the Zionist enemy's responses to the proposals presented by the mediators to reach a ceasefire and ways to address them. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)

Hamas open to long-term Gaza truce but rejects disarmament, adviser says
Hamas open to long-term Gaza truce but rejects disarmament, adviser says

Daily News Egypt

time27-04-2025

  • Politics
  • Daily News Egypt

Hamas open to long-term Gaza truce but rejects disarmament, adviser says

Hamas is open to a long-term truce with Israel in Gaza but is 'not prepared to lay down its arms,' a senior official said on Saturday, as a delegation from the Palestinian group held ceasefire talks in Cairo. Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to the head of Hamas's political bureau, made the statement while the delegation discussed negotiations covering a potential ceasefire, a framework for prisoner exchange, Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and reconstruction efforts, according to a Hamas statement. 'The concept of a truce or its duration is not rejected by us, and we are prepared to discuss it within the framework of negotiations,' Al-Nono said, signalling the group's willingness to consider a prolonged ceasefire. 'We are open to any serious proposals to end the war on Gaza.' However, Al-Nono ruled out Hamas agreeing to disarmament, a key Israeli demand for a demilitarised Gaza Strip. 'The resistance's weapons are non-negotiable and will remain in their hands as long as the occupation continues,' he asserted. A Hamas delegation, led by Mohammad Darwish, head of the group's Leadership Council, arrived in Cairo early Saturday and began meetings with Egyptian officials, Hamas reported. Other members included Khaled Meshaal, Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, and Nizar Awadallah. The delegation aimed 'to discuss Hamas's vision for stopping and ending the war and exchanging prisoners based on a comprehensive deal that includes full withdrawal and reconstruction,' the group's statement said. Discussions would also cover 'the repercussions of the occupation's actions in starving our people in Gaza and the need for urgent action to deliver humanitarian aid,' plans for a community support committee to manage Gaza, and internal Palestinian matters, the statement added. Sources close to the Cairo talks told Reuters that Hamas hoped to gain mediator support for its proposal. They indicated the group might agree to a truce of five to seven years in return for an end to the war, reconstruction, the release of Palestinian detainees, and the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Hamas has previously suggested it could agree to a long-term truce for an end to the Israeli occupation, though earlier mentions were part of broader proposals. Separately, Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea travelled to Doha, Qatar, to discuss the ceasefire negotiations, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported. Sources familiar with the negotiations earlier told Daily News Egypt that mediators Egypt and Qatar were expected to present a new proposal to Hamas and Israel, designed to 'balance' the demands of both sides. The proposal, prepared by Egypt in coordination with Qatar and the US administration, resulted from 'contacts and preliminary discussions about new ideas,' the sources said. It reportedly aims for a 'comprehensive agreement' ending the war and establishing a long-term truce of five to seven years, backed by regional and international guarantees for mutual compliance. According to these sources, a 'framework agreement' would involve returning the situation on the ground to its previous state, halting military operations, Israeli army withdrawal to positions held under January 2025 understandings, and admitting aid via an international humanitarian protocol. The talks occur amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Friday that its food stocks for Palestinians in the Strip had run out after a 54-day siege imposed by Israel. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. 'I told Netanyahu we must be good to Gaza. These people are suffering, and we will take care of them,' Trump said in remarks aboard the US presidential aircraft, stressing a 'very great need for medicine and food.' Israel resumed its offensive on Gaza on March 18 after a ceasefire that began in January collapsed. Israel said it would continue operations until Hamas releases the 59 remaining hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Aid access to the devastated Strip is heavily restricted by Israel, where hundreds of thousands are displaced. Israeli forces control territory and have declared a buffer zone. Palestinian health authorities state that Israeli strikes since March 18 have killed over 2,000 Palestinians, including many civilians.

How Assassinations Reshaped Hamas' Decision-Making Mechanism
How Assassinations Reshaped Hamas' Decision-Making Mechanism

Asharq Al-Awsat

time04-04-2025

  • Politics
  • Asharq Al-Awsat

How Assassinations Reshaped Hamas' Decision-Making Mechanism

Hamas is facing major challenges in its efforts to reorganize after Israel assassinated several high-ranking figures from its political bureau, both in and outside the Gaza Strip, including key figures in the political, military, and governance wings of the movement. During the 58-day truce—collapsed in March—Hamas leaders in Gaza had begun restructuring the organization by appointing new officials to key positions. There was a move to quickly hold internal elections to confirm Khalil al-Hayya as head of the political bureau in Gaza, a decision that was agreed upon due to his previous role as deputy to Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Rafah in October 2024. Administrative Vacuum Al-Hayya, based in Qatar and shuttling between Egypt, Türkiye, and other countries as he leads Hamas' delegation in ceasefire talks, tried to work closely with figures in Gaza such as political bureau members Mohammed al-Jamassi, Yasser Harb, Ismail Barhoum, and Issam al-Daalis to reorganize the movement's internal operations. However, many of these individuals were later assassinated by Israel following the resumption of its military campaign. As a result, Hamas is now grappling with a leadership vacuum inside Gaza, particularly as Israel continues targeting its on-ground operatives. This leadership disruption has contributed to delays in salary disbursement for government employees, although some political and military members received partial payments—up to 60%—on the second day of Eid al-Fitr. Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the salary delays are partly due to the leadership void and the difficulties in decision-making, as many of those responsible for finances and internal affairs have been assassinated. The sources confirmed that the wave of assassinations has significantly impacted the group's internal administration in Gaza. How Hamas Operates Now Leadership in Gaza traditionally handled central and strategic files within Hamas' political bureau, meaning that the assassinations in the Strip had a ripple effect across the broader organization. With the deaths of top leaders like Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July and his successor Yahya Sinwar in Gaza three months later, Hamas formed a temporary governing body known as the 'Leadership Council' to oversee the movement's affairs. Due to the inability to hold internal elections to select a new political bureau chief and deputy, the Leadership Council—comprising regional heads—was empowered to make collective decisions. While the traditional structure relied on consensus among bureau members with deference to the president, vice president, and heads of the West Bank and external wings, the council now makes urgent decisions, consulting other bureau members only when necessary. The council includes political bureau members from Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad, with decisions taken by consensus among those who can be reached—communication challenges within Gaza often complicate this. The de facto head of the Leadership Council is Mohammed Darwish, chair of Hamas' Shura Council, following the assassination of Osama al-Muzaini in an Israeli airstrike on his Gaza City apartment in October 2023. The precise number of council members remains unclear, but sources estimate it includes between 5 and 7 individuals, while the political bureau consists of over 20 positions. Israel has assassinated around 15 Hamas political bureau members in Gaza alone, in addition to leaders abroad like Saleh al-Arouri and Haniyeh. Decision-Making Process According to Hamas sources, for security reasons and the ongoing threat of Israeli targeting, decisions are now made through the Leadership Council without reverting to the Gaza leadership unless in urgent cases. The sources noted that the council briefly assumed this role during the war, particularly just before the last ceasefire in late January. While some normalcy returned during the lull, renewed assassinations and resumed fighting pushed Hamas back into emergency decision-making mode. Nevertheless, the sources stress that there are 'clear red lines'—such as ceasefire negotiations—that require consulting all political bureau members, especially those still in Gaza, and military leaders from the Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing. Among these is Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of Yahya Sinwar, who now leads Qassam after Israel assassinated Mohammed Deif and his deputy Marwan Issa. Hamas sources say Mohammed Sinwar plays a central role in strategic decision-making, especially in military operations and negotiations over Israeli hostages. Still, neither he, nor al-Hayya, nor Darwish can make critical decisions unilaterally; all major moves require consensus between the council, political bureau, and Qassam's military command. The sources acknowledge communication difficulties between Gaza and the outside world due to ongoing security threats and Israeli surveillance, sometimes delaying responses to mediators and stalling negotiations. However, they emphasized that these delays have had limited impact lately, as Israel continues to reject international proposals, diminishing the effect of Hamas' internal constraints on the overall diplomatic process.

Africa Tech Festival Announces Leadership Council for 2025
Africa Tech Festival Announces Leadership Council for 2025

Zawya

time13-03-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Africa Tech Festival Announces Leadership Council for 2025

Africa Tech Festival ( the continent's leading platform for technology innovation and connectivity, is proud to announce the esteemed members of its Leadership Council for 2025. Comprising influential leaders from across Africa's technology, business, and investment sectors, the Leadership Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the festival's agenda, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends, policy discussions, and digital transformation. The Africa Tech Festival 2025 Leadership Council comprises of: Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, Orange​ Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Ghana Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria) Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs&Public Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google​ Dido wa Kalonji, Chief Information Officer, First National Bank – Eswatini​ Faith Burn, Chief Information Officer, Eskom​ Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman, APO Group​ Nina Triantis, Global Head Telecoms, Media and Technology, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank​ Nomsa Chabeli, Group CEO, SABC​ Mary Mahuma, Chief Information Officer, Southern Africa, Philip Morris​ Philip Besiimire, CEO, Vodacom Tanzania​ President Ntuli, Managing Director, South Africa, Hewlett Packard Enterprise​ Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer, Microsoft Africa​ Ayanda Peta, Chief Information Security Officer, African Rainbow Minerals​ Richard Cazalet, Executive: Strategy and Transformation, Telkom SA​ Shamiela Letsoalo, Director: Public Affairs, Naspers Limited Bringing together a wealth of expertise, the Leadership Council will provide strategic guidance to ensure Africa Tech Festival continues to address the most pressing issues and opportunities within Africa's digital economy. Their insights will help drive meaningful discussions on connectivity, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud, and the future of digital infrastructure across Africa. 'Africa Tech Festival serves as a platform for connection, collaboration, and innovation across the continent,' said James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival. 'With the guidance of our Leadership Council, we will continue to curate an event that drives impactful conversations, supports industry growth, and fosters Africa's position as a global technology leader.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival. About Africa Tech Festival 2025: Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events: AfricaCom – The continent's largest telecoms and connectivity event AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent. For more information about Africa Tech Festival 2025 and its Leadership Council, visit

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