(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Rebels have boycotted a new round of peace talks to end South Sudan's conflict because of a dispute about who should attend, those involved in the protracted negotiations said yesterday.
South Sudan has been in political turmoil since President Salva Kiir sacked his deputy Riek Machar last year, triggering a conflict that has reopened deep ethnic tensions in the world's youngest country which only won independence from Sudan in 2011.
Kiir comes from the dominant Dinka ethnic group, while Machar, now rebel leader, is from another major tribe, the Nuer.
The new round of talks in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa was to have brought in new players such as civil society organisations, faith-based groups and others, along with government and rebel negotiators, to try to secure a broad deal.
There has been little to show for months of negotiations.
Two ceasefire deals were swiftly violated, with each side blaming the other. A new delay in talks threatens to extend a crisis that aid agencies say could drive the nation to famine.
The regional African IGAD grouping, which is mediating, has threatened both sides with sanctions unless they halt fighting.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.