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South Sudan rebels say unity govt not the solution

Saturday August 09 2014

South Sudan faces a resumption of full-scale fighting following the collapse of the multi-sectoral negotiations in Addis Ababa.

Sources in the Ethiopian capital revealed that the rebel side led by Dr Riek Machar said the proposed Transitional Government of National Unity is not an ultimate solution and is pushing for the formation of a federal government.

The Machar group had earlier in the week boycotted the negotiations arguing that they should only involve two parties; the Government of South Sudan and the SPLM/A in Opposition.

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) had structured the talks in such a way that the current phase must be multi-sectoral to include all stakeholders who are affected by the conflict and have a stake in the future of the country such as civil society, faith-based organisations and other political parties.

READ: Now Igad warns Machar team of sanctions for skipping Addis talks
The other political parties insist that to allow only two parties to negotiate for peace means that only those bearing arms have a voice and should decide the future of the country.

They also demanded that delegates involved in the talks be prevented from going back to the frontline to ensure that the negotiations continue. Dr Machar’s group says that civil society, political parties and faith-based groups should only play an observer role and be consulted if necessary.

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Also complicating the issue is the recent show of support for President Salva Kiir by the US government, which analysts say could embolden Juba not to negotiate because Washington has affirmed Kiir’s legitimacy.

“The US could have used its strong position as a superpower to force the two parties to reach a settlement. But now, President Kiir’s side could interpret this to mean full support of the US,” said Jervasio Okot, a member of South Sudan civil society and a political analyst.

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