The government of South Sudan is worried that fresh talks aimed at ending the crisis facing the country may not bear fruit, should the rebels not soften their stand on key issues related to the formation of a transitional government.
Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny says though the government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
The rebel side on the other hand doesn’t seem to. The last round of peace talks, one among many collapsed in early March. After the two sides failed to agree on key issues concerning the formation and structure of a transitional government.
Now the government of South Sudan is worried that a similar scenario may play out even as representatives from the rival sides meet in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa to set the agenda and dates for the start of a fresh round of talks.
The 18 month long conflict has had a devastating effect on South Sudan. Aid agencies now warn that millions face starvation if the fighting does not stop. The coutry’s economy has also taken a fall.
With basic commodity prices going up steadily. (Also watch how fighting has caused a shortage of food in South Sudan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cRr6oMAqC8
Regional countries and the international community have threatened to impose sanctions against those involved in the conflict.
The government however says such a decision would sink the country into a much deeper crisis.
The current conflict is between Salva Kiir’s Dinka people against Machar’s Nuer, and has quickly spread to other parts of the country forcing thousands of people to flee.
The current conflict has been characterised by ethnic massacres, rape and the use of child soldiers. A fifth of the population has been uprooted and nearly half face starvation.
Peace talks, led by regional bloc IGAD, have been going on in Ethiopia almost as long as the 18-month war, resulting in nine failed agreements and ceasefires, all broken within days or even hours.
