Direct talks aimed at ending the violence and strife in South Sudan have hit a snag. Talks scheduled to be held Saturday are delayed.
Rebel forces now control large amounts of the war-torn country, and heavy fighting continues. There have been a reported one thousand deaths as a direct result of the fighting. Representatives of President Kiir and Mr. Machar are due to meet in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African bloc that is mediating the talks.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting: “Mr Machar and his rival, Salva Kiir, the president, have both sent delegations to peace talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. But the rebel leader said the “agenda” for these negotiations was “not yet agreed upon” and his essential precondition – the release of 11 political allies who were arrested when the revolt began – had still not been met.”
The delay is being coupled with heavy fighting between government and rebel forces.
