US concerned over failure to implement South Sudan peace deal

The United States has voiced its concerns over South Sudan’s delay to end a two year conflict.

According to a “statement” by the US Department of State, Washington has accused both warring parties of continued failure to form a transitional government.

“The government denied landing permission to flights for the return of opposition leader Riek Machar. This interference resulted in the failure to meet the deadline in the compromise proposal put forward by the regional and international partners of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission that was agreed to by both sides,” the statement read.

The United States is set to take a back seat in peace negotiations between the government of #SouthSudan and… https://t.co/RRF72yaDTN

— The Niles (@TheNiles2012) April 25, 2016

The rebels have alluded that the US has withdrawn funding to help transport South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar.

Machar is set to return to the capital Juba, as a waiting game continues to ensue. The opposition leader was initially scheduled to return on April 18 to take up the position of vice president in the newly created transitional government that will last for three years.

Nevertheless, Machar has delayed travelling to Juba. The US holds him responsible for making new demands last week.

Machar’s return is meant to seal a peace deal signed in August. However, the deal has been broken down several times with both factions pointing fingers at each other. The rebel leader who was sacked by President Salva Kiir in 2013 said he will form the unity government with Kiir after he arrives in Juba.

According to reports, Kiir’s spokesman said that Machar’s return was a significant steps towards the implementation of the peace deal.

Meanwhile, Machar’s chief of staff arrived in Juba on Monday evening, accompanied by more than 100 soldiers.

Political conflict broke out in December 2013 between forces loyal to President Kiir and rebel soldiers aligned with Machar. This resulted to the deaths of thousands and displacements of more than 2 million people