Tensions surrounding the ongoing doctors' strike in Kenya have prompted retired military officers to offer mediation in the stalemate between striking medics and the government [33d37e2b]. The Kenya Veterans for Peace (KVP), led by Executive Director Dr. Nelson Sechere, has successfully mediated in several conflicts in the past and aims to complement the government's efforts on peacebuilding, security, and development [33d37e2b]. The organization has undertaken various projects to promote peace, including sinking boreholes and providing water to end conflicts between pastoralists [33d37e2b]. As part of their welfare initiatives, KVP visited veterans, widows, and widowers of former military officers in Githurai, Nairobi, and gifted them with assorted foodstuffs [33d37e2b]. The involvement of retired military officers adds a new dimension to the efforts to resolve the doctors-government stalemate in Kenya [33d37e2b].
The doctors' strike in Kenya has caused significant disruptions in the healthcare system, with hospitals experiencing cancellations of surgeries and medical treatments due to the absence of striking doctors [2fcbc82d]. The government's attempts to address the strike have so far been unsuccessful, and negotiations between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have reached a standstill [2fcbc82d]. The offer of mediation by retired military officers reflects the growing concern over the impact of the strike and the need for a resolution [33d37e2b].
In addition to the doctors' strike in Kenya, South Korea is also facing a similar situation. Medical professors in South Korea have joined the protests in support of trainee doctors who have been on strike for over a month [2b01fa3f]. The strike is in response to a government plan to increase the number of students admitted to medical school from 2025 [2b01fa3f]. The professors have announced that they will reduce their practice hours and focus on emergency and severely ill patients, while some may submit their resignations [2b01fa3f]. The government has threatened to suspend the licenses of striking doctors but has also called for a more conciliatory approach and the formation of a consultative body to engage with medical professionals [2b01fa3f]. The ongoing disputes in both Kenya and South Korea highlight the challenges faced by the healthcare systems in these countries and the demands of doctors and medical professionals for better working conditions, higher salaries, and improved healthcare services [2b01fa3f] [2fcbc82d].
South Sudan's peace talks between the government and the hold-out groups will begin on May 10 in Nairobi, Kenya [b95dcf97]. The mediation is led by former army commander Lazurus Sumbeiywo, who successfully mediated the 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement [b95dcf97]. The majority of the holdout groups have accepted the Kenyan-led mediation after months of suspicion [b95dcf97]. The talks aim to end the civil war between President Salva Kiir’s government and various armed groups that splintered since 2013 [b95dcf97]. The talks were initially attempted by the Catholic Church in Rome but fell through [b95dcf97]. The hold-out groups have arrived in Nairobi for pre-talks consultations, and the talks are expected to lead to longer-lasting peace in South Sudan [b95dcf97].
South Sudanese rebel leader Gen. Stephen Buoy Rolnyang has threatened to withdraw from the Kenyan-mediated peace talks, citing the alleged presence of government operatives assigned to assassinate him [4d91c628]. In a letter addressed to the Kenyan high-level mediation for South Sudan, Gen. Rolnyang requested that his team be allowed to return to their base [4d91c628]. The rebel leader claimed to have received intelligence that a team allegedly sent by President Kiir's security advisor, Tut Gatluak, is in Kenya to assassinate him [4d91c628]. Gen. Rolnyang confirmed the authenticity of the letter and vowed to withdraw from the talks if the issues raised were not addressed [4d91c628]. The Kenyan chief mediator and officials from the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they had carried out an investigation with Gen. Rolnyang and were satisfied with the outcome [4d91c628].
South Sudan's vice president, Riek Machar, has expressed concerns over new peace talks in Kenya, claiming they aim to replace the 2018 peace agreement [070f5d2a]. Machar signed the original deal with President Kiir, ending a five-year civil war [070f5d2a]. The current talks aim to include opposition groups excluded in 2018 but remain contentious [070f5d2a].
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir wants non-peace signatories, including General Paul Malong Awan, to return to Juba for his defense in case of future conflict [1b1ecb0c]. The presence of opposition parties in Juba has made Kiir remember his former die-hard supporter, General Paul Malong Awan, who now heads the South Sudan United Front (SSUF) [1b1ecb0c]. Kiir believes that bringing Malong back to Juba would strengthen his defense. However, Malong has refused to engage in talks with Kiir as an individual, fearing for his safety [1b1ecb0c]. The letter also highlights the growing desire for regime change in South Sudan due to the challenges facing the country [1b1ecb0c]. The article emphasizes the need for inclusive negotiations, the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, and addressing the root causes of the country's challenges to achieve lasting peace [1b1ecb0c].