After the meeting between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and rebel leader, Riek Machar in Khartoum, there was hope for an eventual peace in the nearest future.
Though there was no immediate indication that either side would make real concessions, both parties believe that a mutual agreement will be reached in no distant time. In a statement by Salva Kiir, “I came to this meeting with an open mind and hope my brother Machar came with same. I see the need to stop this unnecessary war and hope Dr Riek Machar does as well”.
He emphasized that the conflict between both parties persisted over ‘division of power and security arrangements’; an apparent reference to possible rebel representation in the South Sudanese government and the ‘integration’ of rebel and government forces.
Dr. Riek Machar while talking to the press stated that, “We came to Khartoum to look for peace,” and also pointed out his grievance of being invited to the meeting at a late hour.
