News Analysis: Mistrust between S. Sudan rivals delaying peace process

Despite inking a peace deal brokered by regional countries in August last year, South Sudan's rival political factions are yet to conclude sticky issues, delaying the formation of a transitional government.

The peace deal leaves incumbent President Salva Kiir as president and returns rebel leader Riek Machar to his old job as deputy. However, Machar has so far not returned to the capital Juba, citing worries about his safety.

Government spokesman Michael Makuei said there are currently two points of disagreement, namely, the number of states to be created and the number of presidential advisors to be appointed -- issues being debated at the constitutional review committee.

Machar's rebel force, Sudan People Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), dragged its feet in signing the peace deal last year, citing their earlier proposal of creating 21 states based on the 1956 boundaries of Sudan.

The proposal has been rejected by the government which insists on creating 28 states.

The government said it wants a transitional government to be formed before constitutional amendments are completed, while the armed opposition demands the drafting of constitution first.

Thereby Makuei blames the rebels for the failure to form a transitional government of national unity.

However, some analysts say the stalemate is around moral issues of trust and confidence as the rival sides hold deep-seated mistrust for each other.

According to designated Second Vice-President under the signed peace deal, Wani Igga, there is need for both sides to permanently cease hostilities as provided by the peace agreement.

"Everywhere, and under any tree we must ceasefire so that we can bring trust and confidence because this is what is left especially for the two groups," Igga said in Juba on Monday.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mawien Makol, told Xinhua this week that some 300 body guards for Machar were expected to arrive first ahead of others in Juba, paving way for his much-awaited return.

He added Juba expected the arrival of 1,370 of the proposed 3,000 rebel troops by March.

"The troops that were supposed to come last week were delayed and we are expecting them any time from now," Makol said.

But the transport of the entire 3,000 rebel troops has emerged as a challenge to the cash-strapped Juba, which could slow down the peace process, as international donors can only cater for a few.

"The issue now is transport and all of you know our financial situation... You can see our salaries have gone for three months without being paid. These are the realities of our difficulty after the fall of the oil price, which we have been relying upon by 98 percent," Igga said.

However, SPLM-IO chief negotiator, Taban Deng Gai, insisted his boss would only return to Juba after the first batch of 1,370 troops arrive as per the agreement.

"If we finish transporting all these 1,370 police officers this time, my chairman will come to Juba. Machar did not refuse to come to Juba, he has been facing difficulties for him to return; he is a man who has run away for his safety and life," he said. Endit