ADDIS ABABA – Talks between South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and main armed opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny have failed after government refused IGAD and AU proposal to reduce the number of states.
The elected Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2020, Cyril Ramaphosa who is the President of South Africa, met today this evening with Kiir and Machar.
He deliberated on the recommendation of IGAD Council of ministers which adopted 23 states plus Abyei in the summit of yesterday.
Ramaphosa urged the two leaders to accept the recommendation in totality or either to consider reverting to 10 constitutional states as enshrined and provided for in the defunct ARCSS to avert an imposed decision by IGAD heads of state and government.
The region and the continent finally recognized the urgency of putting an end to the suffering of South Sudanese by judiciously exercising their leadership roles.
Speaking to the media this evening, information minister Michael Makuei said the government would go back and consult with the people of South Sudan over the issue of states before a decision could be taken.
