February 9th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – Talks in Addis Ababa between South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and main armed opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny have failed to bear fruit after Kiir’s government rejected a regional proposal on states.
The regional body, IGAD, proposed during a meeting of its council of ministers on Saturday that South Sudan’s controversial 32 states are reduced to 23 states (plus the disputed region of Abyei).
The government rejected the proposal and accused the regional bloc of siding with the opposition.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who is the elected chairperson of the African Union met with the two men separately and endorsed the number of states recommended by the IGAD which has been rejected by the government so far.
Speaking to South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) following the meeting between Kiir and Machar, information Michael Makuei said talks were suspended after the government requested to go and consult.
“The meeting was concluded today with a note that the government will go back to South Sudan and sensitize the people and inform them about the process that took place here and that the government is going back to them for consultation,” Makuei said.
Makuei further urged the people of South Sudan to “get ready with their answers so that you will give us the answer and the government will be ready to implement whatever advice or decision you take as the people.”
