IGAD peace deal uncertain as Kiir agrees conditionally — Breaking News

South Sudanese foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, told Sudan Tribune during an exclusive interview on Sunday that the government through its “special meeting” attended by the state governors had resolved to permit the travel of president Salva Kiir to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to meet Machar and attend the regional summit of the heads of state and governments on the situation on South Sudan.

If the two sides fail to sign an agreement on Monday, the international community has said it will consider targeted sanctions against both sides, with the EU warning that that it will no longer be “business as usual”.

KHARTOUM Sudan (Xinhua) – A prominent South Sudanese rebel commander and a group of other high ranking officers have declared their split from the rebel movement led by Riek Machar, threatening to reject any deal resulting from the current peace negotiations in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

But Ateny said that instead, Vice-President James Wani Igga would go in his place.

President Salva Kiir watched the signing, after briefly shaking hands with Machar.

On Tuesday, however, top rebel generals said they had split from Machar, accusing him of seeking power for himself, and adding they would not recognise any deal agreed.

A South Sudanese government spokesman has professed its commitment to continue to engage rebels in peace talks for the end of the protracted conflict which began in 2013.

Grant Shapps, the UK’s Minister for Africa, at the talks, said now was not the time to celebrate.

An East African diplomat close to the talks confirmed that the arrangement was discussed, but said no decisions were made.

“Some of the provisions of the compromise agreement drafted by IGAD have never been discussed by the parties before”, Makuei said.

In 2014, South Sudan witnessed a similar outbreak that affected more than 6,400 people and claimed 160 lives.

Under IGAD’s proposal, the rebels would be allocated a first vice president and the government the presidency, while an 18-month period would be set to integrate both armies.

The war has been characterised by ethnic massacres and rape.