Riek Machar Rejects Ceasefire Request by International MediatorsJuly 21, 2017 - Festus Mogae, the former President of Botswana and an international mediator on South Sudan, told the UN Security Council that Riek Machar declined to renounce violence or declare a unilateral ceasefire, reports The Star. "The message I conveyed to Dr Riek Machar was to renounce violence, declare a unilateral ceasefire and participate in the national dialogue. "He demanded a new political process by the region outside South Sudan." The 15-member council remains split on how to try to bring an end to the conflict in South Sudan. Rather than speaking with one voice, regional leaders have largely worked on South Sudan on a bilateral basis.

Source: Ethiopian News July 21, 2017 11:03 UTC