African Union-led negotiations between the Sudanese government and the rebel group, SPLM-N, are expected to begin today in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

Having been locked in a war since 2011 in the two regions of South Kordofan and Blue Nile states with links to Darfur-based groups, the head of the Sudanese delegation, Ibrahim Ghandour al-Mahdi, noted that the talks will only be in relation to these two states.

The SPLM-N spokesman, Arnu Nogotolu Lodi, responded that limiting the talks in this way creates further obstacles than solutions.

However, he stressed their movement’s commitment toward the peace talks which will be headed by the SPLM-N secretary general,Yassir Said Arman.

Arnu added that their negotiation stance will be based on the UN Security Council resolution 2046 and in accordance with the June 28 2011 agreement signed in Addis Ababa.

Photo: Addis Ababa (Hansueli Krapf/ Wikipedia)