South Sudan: Peace talks resume

Peace talks between South Sudan’s government and elements aligned to former Vice-President Riek Machar resumed in Ethiopia on Tuesday, mediators said, urging both sides to return to the ceasefire agreement.

The talks were adjourned on March 3 for two weeks.

The closed door mediation by regional bloc – Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) aims at ending the three-month-old conflict and forging a lasting political solution between the Salva Kiir administration and Machar.

“The IGAD special envoys are in consultation with the parties on the conduct of a political dialogue towards national reconciliation and healing,” mediators said in a statement.

The skirmished which has displaced nearly one million people, has persisted despite a ceasefire signed by both sides in January with clashes continuing in recent days in the oil-rich Upper Nile state.

IGAD condemned both sides for the “flagrant” violation of the ceasefire agreement, and said it reiterated its call “on the signatory parties to immediately adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement,” the statement said.

The mediator also called on the parties to ensure free access to humanitarian services to the affected citizens; and urged them to honor their commitment of opening up relief corridors across the country.

Source: Newswires