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President Ruto meets South Sudans Special Envoy, pledging Kenyas support for the upcoming elections and urging a peaceful transition in the neighboring nation.

President William Ruto has thrown Kenya’s diplomatic weight behind the fragile transition in South Sudan, pledging technical and institutional support for the country’s upcoming elections. In a high-stakes meeting at State House, Nairobi, Ruto met with South Sudan’s Presidential Special Envoy, Tut Gatluak Manime, to chart a path for stability in the region’s youngest nation.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture. South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first-ever general elections later this year, a milestone that has been repeatedly delayed by conflict and logistical nightmares. President Ruto emphasized that a credible poll is the only bridge to lasting peace. "We cannot afford to fail," Ruto told the envoy."Kenya stands ready to walk this journey with you, not just as a neighbor, but as a brother."
The core of the discussion centered on "institutional preparedness." Kenya, having navigated its own tumultuous electoral history, offered to assist South Sudan’s electoral commission with capacity building. This likely involves training of poll workers, sharing of technology, and logistical support. Ruto noted that "strengthening electoral institutions is key to ensuring credible and peaceful democratic processes."
Envoy Tut Gatluak delivered a special message from President Salva Kiir, reaffirming Juba’s commitment to the peace process. However, skepticism remains high. Implementation of the 2018 peace deal has been sluggish, and violence continues to flare in parts of the country. Kenya’s involvement is seen as a crucial stabilizer, given its role as a regional economic hub and mediator.
For President Ruto, this is another opportunity to cement his status as Africa’s Diplomat-in-Chief. By taking the lead on the South Sudan dossier, he is projecting Kenyan soft power. But the road to Juba is paved with broken promises. The challenge will be ensuring that the handshake in Nairobi translates to peace in the villages of Jonglei and Upper Nile.
“The ballot must replace the bullet,” Ruto declared. As the clock ticks towards the polls, the region waits to see if South Sudan can finally turn the page, with a little help from its friends in Nairobi.
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