A new willingness to compromise by the Sudan government brought a breakthrough in peace talks with the Sudanese rebels in Kenya this week.
More talks are to follow.
IGAD, chaired by President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, groups Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, D'jibouti, Kenya and Sudan. We should find a lasting solution to the long-running conflict. A political settlement will enable the people of Southern Sudan to re-direct their energies and resources to economic development of their country,'' he said. The split weakened the rebel movement, prompting Khartoum to sieze territory previously held by the insurgents. Five years later, Machar signed a peace charter with the Sudan government, and, in April 1997, that charter was upgraded into a peace agreement co-signed by six former rebel groups.