By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Kenya on Monday successfully mediated reconciliation between rival student groups, ending a long-standing dispute over the leadership of the South Sudanese Students’ Association in Kenya (SSSAK).
In the meeting that lasted for four hours at the Embassy, Ambassador Kon met with the leaders of the two factions, resulting in an agreement to form a unified students’ body.
The two groups had been contesting the association’s leadership for several years, causing significant division within the student community. The embassy’s intervention provided a platform for constructive dialogue, leading to a breakthrough.
“I commend the student leaders for their spirit of reconciliation. It is my hope that they will set aside tribal, regional, and political divisions to work together for unity and national cohesion,” said Ambassador Kon. He added, “The embassy remains committed to supporting our youth and encourages them to see themselves as the future leaders of our nation.”
The ambassador reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the South Sudanese diaspora and fostering peace and inclusivity.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for the coming weeks to discuss the next steps, including the process of establishing a unified student union. This initiative is part of the embassy’s broader efforts to support leadership development among South Sudanese youth abroad.
The long-standing leadership dispute within the SSSAK began in 2022.
The conflict arose after a group of students challenged the legitimacy of the then-current student leadership, leading to the formation of a rival faction.
This division was fuelled by allegations of a lack of transparency and accountability, as well as tribal and regional differences.
The two groups operated separately, each claiming to be the legitimate representatives of South Sudanese students in Kenya.
This internal conflict created a significant rift in the student community, hindering their ability to effectively advocate for their needs and organize unified events.
The embassy’s recent mediation was the culmination of multiple efforts to bridge this divide and restore a single, unified student body.