A group of African countries meeting in Angola recently have taken a position against the direct involvement of the 'Troika' countries – the United States, Norway and the United Kingdom – in any mediation process for resolving South Sudan's civil war.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region held in Luanda, Angola was attended by President Salva Kiir and Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial, among other South Sudanese officials.

A meeting of foreign ministers at the conference, including those of Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Sudan, Kenya, Central Africa and Angola, recommended against UN sanctions on South Sudan saying that either targeted sanctions or an arms embargo would be “counter-productive.”

The foreign ministers commended the “observer role” of the Troika in the IGAD-led South Sudan peace process – which has been suspended – “while urging them to continue their positive engagement without directly participating in the mediation process.”

They further recommended designating SPLM-IO rebels as “negative forces” and urged “respect for the sovereignty and legitimacy of the elected Government of the Republic of South Sudan.”

Additionally, in the conference declaration signed on Monday, the heads of state attending the summit affirmed the same recommendation against direct Troika involvement.