Talks To End South Sudan Conflict Officially Open

The talks, led by teams representing the warring parties are focusing on bringing about a ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.

No timeline has been set, but mediators have asked the opposing parties to find quick solutions.

Delegates from both sides began arriving in the Ethiopian capital on Wednesday but talks were delayed until the full negotiating teams had arrived.

Nhial Deng Nhial, head of the government’s negotiating team, pledged to "leave no stone unturned in the search for a peaceful resolution", according to AFP news agency.

But he warned it "must be abundantly clear" the government has "an obligation to restore peace and security of the country through all means available".

Rebel delegation chief Taban Deng told AFP he was committed to talks, but demanded the release of several top political leaders from the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), accused of involvement in the violence.

At least 1,000 people have been killed since the conflict began on 15 December.

More than 180,000 people have been displaced.

The latest trouble has its roots in tensions that go back long before 2011.

Politicians' political bases are often ethnic. President Salva Kiir is from the Dinka community while sacked Deputy President Riek Machar is a Nuer.

By Beth Nyaga

Source: BBC News