Disagreement Emerges Over the Inclusion of Other Countries in Peace Talks

[Elisabeth Janaina]

Disagreement Emerges Over the Inclusion of Other Countries in Peace Talks

Addis Ababa, December 22, 2014 (SSNA) -- Member states of the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are sharply divided
over a decision by the African Union (AU) to include five nations in
the IGAD mediated peace talks in Ethiopia, an African Union (AU)
diplomatic source who demanded anonymity because he was not authorized
to speak on the issue told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA).

The countries that have been chosen by the AU to be part of the IGAD
mediated peace talks are Republic of Rwanda, Chad, Federal Republic of
Nigeria, and the Republic of South Africa.

“Yoweri Museveni of Uganda doesn’t like some countries, particularly
Nigeria and South Africa. He tried to launch a formal complaint
against the inclusion of these two countries [South Africa and
Nigeria], but, he knows it is a game he cannot win in the union,” the
source said.

“The AU was expecting Museveni to submit his protest because he has
been telling his friends about his frustration against the AU decision
to include nations he doesn’t trust,” the source added.

The wrangling is the latest sign of deep division among IGAD member
states on South Sudan’s peace process, with Uganda publicly supporting
South Sudan’s government.

The source further added Museveni changed his mind after South
Sudanese president Salva Kiir suddenly went to South Africa this
month.

South Sudan marks its first year anniversary of war this month