South Sudan parties fail to strike deal on number of states

Parties to South Sudan's 2018 peace agreement have failed to reach a consensus on the number of states to be formed in the country ahead of the planned formation of a unity government scheduled for later this month.

South African Deputy President David Mabuza, who is President Cyril Ramaphosa's special envoy to South Sudan, said the mediation team is convinced that the parties remain committed to the peace plan.

"Whereas the parties have failed to find common ground, we are encouraged that they remain committed to peace and informing the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity by the end of the extended period, as the people of South Sudan want peace and prosperity." Mabuza said.

Rebel leader Riek Machar has been in the capital since last month to take part in the talks.

Major agreements have previously been reported on other issues, though the number of states remains an elusive bit.

The government wants the transitional government formed as planned, with any other pending issues to be addressed afterward.

"We are saying no more extension because the people of South Sudan are fed up with extension so we need to continue and establish a Transitional Government of national unity then continue with the consultation process." said Michael Makuei Lueth, the Information Minister, South Sudan.

The world's youngest nation sank into chaos in December 2013, sparked by a feud between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy Machar.

Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup against his rule, allegations the latter refuted but then went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.

The ensuing conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions of others, prompting the United Nations to rank South Sudan as Africa's biggest refugee crisis.

With the on-going dialogue, however, both regional and international players are confident that the country will soon enjoy much-desired peace and work towards rebuilding.

[Cover: FILE PHOTO: President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit (front L) attends a meeting with Riek Machar (front R), AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ismail Chergui (rear L), Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta (rear C) and Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn (rear R) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 01, 2015. /Getty Images]

(CGTN)