The Governors of the ten states and the two administrators of Pibor and Abyei have called for the suspension of the peace talks in Addis Ababa.

They say the agreement would not bring peace due to the split within the SPLM in Opposition.

On Wednesday, Major Peter Gatdet and Gathoth Gatkuoth announced that they had lost confidence in their leader, Dr Riek Machar, and said they would not respect any deal he signs with President Salva Kiir.

The officials now say the SPLM-in Opposition should first unite its rank and file.

They also say IGAD should also assess the views of the opposition commanders in the field before the warring parties sign a peace deal.

The governors and the heads of the administrative areas issued the statement today at the presidential palace, J1.

Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore, spoke on their behalf.

“On the ongoing peace negotiations and recent development in the rebel camp in light of the recent split in the rebel camp, the governor’s caucus believes and recommends that in order to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace, the current talks in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia should be suspended so as to bring all the rebel factions on board,” Mr Lobong said.

“It is better to delay the signing of the agreement and improve on it to avoid elapsing situations for going back to war.”

Mr Lobong also says the mediators should also first ensure that a previous agreement on cessation of hostilities is implemented.