A roundup of a few key stories last week on political issues in Sudan and South Sudan:

Salva Kiir says not stepping down (Radio Tamazuj, 20 June 2014) -- Salva Kiir has announced that he will not step down as president of South Sudan, saying that he has set a ‘red line’ against his exclusion from a proposed interim government.

Sudan justice minister stops legal proceedings against al-Mahdi, orders him released (Sudan Tribune, 15 June 2014) -- Sudanese authorities on Sunday released the National Umma Party (NUP) leader al-Sadiq al-Mahdi after being in detention for almost a month, official news agency (SUNA) reported.

SPLM-IO boycotts Addis talks for second day (Radio Tamazuj, 22 June 2014) -- South Sudan’s armed opposition continued its boycott of peace negotiations in Addis Ababa for a second day on Saturday, after five other groups launched the talks under auspices of the East African organization IGAD on Friday.

South Sudan president confirms insult is reason for delay of peace talks (Radio Tamazuj, 20 June 2014) -- The president of South Sudan ordered his negotiating team at peace talks in Addis Ababa to suspend their involvement in the talks because he felt offended by a remark made by one of the IGAD mediators, according to a speech made by the president on Thursday.

Eastern Equatoria for federalism, Warrap opposes (Radio Tamazuj, 19 June 2014) -- Louise Lobong, the governor of Eastern Equatoria, has come out openly in favor of federalism, saying it is the call of the people of his state, while officials in Warrap State have opposed the proposal.