South Sudan rebel leader wants detainees freed before ceasefire deal - envoys


South Sudan's Vice-President Riek Machar addresses the 67th United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, September 27, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar's demand for the release of detainees remains a stumbling block to a ceasefire deal aimed at halting violence in the world's youngest state, a U.S. envoy said on Sunday.

More than three weeks of fighting, often along ethnic faultlines, has pitted President Salva Kiir's SPLA government forces against rebels loyal to former vice president Machar and has brought the oil-exporting nation close to civil war.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Peru lawmakers gather support to call for debate to oust president Jeri
US, Taiwan finalize deal to cut tariffs, boost purchases of US goods
Ukraine's Zelenskiy: We have backed US peace proposals to get a deal done
China's Sun Long wins silver in men's 1,000m short track speed skating at Milan-Cortina (updated)
Australia opposition elects former energy minister Taylor as new leader, ABC reports
China opens women's curling campaign with victory at Milan-Cortina Games
North Korea says South Korea should take steps to prevent violation of its sovereignty
U.S. stocks close lower
Medal table at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 12
EU moves to speed up single market, eyes smaller-group cooperation

Others Also Read