OPP slams handpicked opposition representatives for Tumaini peace talks

The Chairperson of the Umbrella of Other Political Parties (OPP), Peter Mayen, has strongly criticized the exclusion of key stakeholders from his coalition of opposition parties to take in the Tumaini peace talks in the Kenyan capital.

By Jenifer James

The Chairperson of the Umbrella of Other Political Parties (OPP), Peter Mayen, has strongly criticized the exclusion of key stakeholders from his coalition of opposition parties to take in the Tumaini peace talks in the Kenyan capital.

In an interview with The Dawn on Wednesday, Mayen underscored the importance of inclusivity for achieving lasting peace, condemning the government’s decision to replace legitimate representatives with individuals who lack the authority to speak for the OPP.

“We support the Tumaini peace initiative in principle; however, the process cannot deliver meaningful outcomes if key stakeholders are deliberately sidelined. Excluding OPP, which is a principal signatory to the peace agreement, undermines the legitimacy of the entire process,” he said.

Mayen revealed that the OPP has been excluded from critical meetings, including two presidential sessions, and expressed frustration over the government’s decision to involve Albino Akol, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as an OPP representative.

“Albino Akol neither leads the OPP nor is a signatory to the peace agreement. His inclusion is a unilateral decision by the government that undermines the spirit of inclusivity,” Mayen said.

He called for the immediate reinstatement of legitimate OPP representatives in the peace process, stressing that the participation of all signatories is essential to ensure the process reflects the collective will of the parties involved.

While reaffirming OPP’s commitment to peace, Mayen warned that only an inclusive approach can address the root causes of conflict and pave the way for sustainable resolution.

Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir appointed a 15-member delegation, led by his senior advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk, to engage in negotiations with opposition groups in Nairobi.

The restructured delegation includes veteran politician Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, Rebecca Joshua Okwachi, Ambassador Beatrice Khamisa Wani, Mining Minister Martin Abucha, and Energy Minister Peter Marcello among others.

The Tumaini peace talks commenced on May 9, 2024 in Kenya but came to a halt in July after both sides disagreed on some key sticky issues despite having earlier signed 9 protocols.

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