The mediators at the peace talks in Ethiopia say the next phase of the negotiations has now been delayed. 

A summit of IGAD heads of state had given the warring parties 15 days to consult on the peace process earlier this month, and they were to resume talking on Tuesday.

This meeting will now be delayed, according to our correspondent Michael Minassie who is following the peace talks in Addis Ababa.

“IGAD mediators say the delay is to allow the SPLM in Opposition to finalize their consultations on the powers of the prime minister and the system of governance during the transitional period,” said Mr Minassie.

This week, the SPLM in Opposition is expected to hold a meeting in a border area called Pakak, near Ethiopia.

He added that no date has been set for the resumption of the talks.