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Zambian leader to mediate in South Sudan crisis

Xinhua, February 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Zambian President Edgar Lungu will mediate in the South Sudan crisis after he was requested to do so by that country's leader, his office said on Monday.

The Zambian leader has accepted to join the mediation process after he was asked to do so by South Sudan President Salva Kir and rebel leader Rick Machar.

"The point of contention is that there is a process under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the regional group that is mediating, but South Sudan has said Zambia has a credible record in peace and mediation efforts and at one time, former President Kenneth Kaunda mediated in the South Sudan crisis, " presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda said.

Other African leaders involved in the mediation process includes Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, he added.

The Zambian leader has since started the process of engaging the South Sudan Rebel leader who will soon be invited to Zambia for talks. Endi