Peace talks aimed at ending South Sudan’s civil war have resumed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the latest attempt to resolve the year-old nation’s internal conflict.

The talks Thursday are focused on a sustainable truce between the government and rebel fighters, mediated by the east African regional blog IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development). Four previous attempts at a truce have been virtually ignored.

At the heart of the conflict is a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar. The split has divided the country’s military and led to inter-ethnic fighting.

The latest round of negotiations will also attempt to tackle the thorny political issue of forming a transitional government of national unity. Former political detainees, faith-based groups, and civil society organizations are taking part in the talks.

Previous peace agreements and a number of sanctions by the United States and the European Union have brought no halt to the fighting.

South Sudan’s conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than two million. The United Nations says at least half the country is at risk of hunger and disease. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Labor