This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
Published on October 9, 2019, by XINHUA
South Sudan's path to unity hangs in the balance as the US makes it clear that any transitional government in Juba must include Dr Riek Machar, the leader of the main rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Army-in opposition (SPLM/A-IO).
US Ambassador to South Sudan, Thomas Hushek, emphasized that the warring parties must work together to implement outstanding issues before the November 12 deadline for forming the unity government.
President Salva Kiir's recent threat to form the transitional government without Dr Machar has raised concerns, with the US ambassador urging cooperation from both leaders.
Despite recent meetings between the two leaders in Juba, where they agreed to speed up the screening and registration of their forces, the peace process remains fragile.
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), which mediated the revitalised peace deal signed in September 2018, has invited the warring parties for further talks in Ethiopia, but the meeting aimed at speeding up the implementation of outstanding issues flopped as faction leaders failed to attend.
Mr Hushek has also reached out to Gen Thomas Cirilo, who leads the National Salvation Front, to join the peace process and pursue his political objectives through non-violent means.
South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013 after President Kiir sacked his then deputy, Dr Machar, leading to fighting between soldiers loyal to the respective leaders.
