Mediators have called off talks between Sudan's government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N),  led by Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu, saying further consultations were needed before the talks could proceed.

The talks, which were held in South Sudanese capital Juba, came after the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N signed a declaration of principles detailing a road map for negotiations.

The declaration of principles signed on 28 March outlined priorities that include unification of armed forces and establishment of a democratic, secular state with freedom of religion.

Al-Hilu's group refused to sign the October 2020 peace agreement with the transitional government that was signed by other opposition movements, including from the Western region of Darfur.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is hosting the talks between both sides.

"Today, we agreed to call off the talks between the two sides and there will be another round of talks to finalize the remaining issues, which are very few. There will be further consultations between both sides on the remaining unresolved issues," Tut Gatluak, the South Sudanese chief mediator, told reporters in Juba on Tuesday.

The chief mediator said they had called off this round of peace talks between the two sides due to “divergent viewpoints”, especially over the details of secular state with freedom of religion.

"I want to say that we agreed on most of the things. We only delayed in the discussion of some details, which will be discussed in another round of talks that will be organized by the mediation team," Gatluak explained.

Lt. Gen. Shams El Din Kabbashi, head of the Sudanese government team to the peace talks, said the peace talks were generally positive, adding that the two sides agreed on a number of points.

 "This gives us hope that we will reach a comprehensive peace in Sudan. I want to assure the public and the international community that we are committed to peace and we will return to the talks at any time to finalize the pending points," Gen. Kabbashi said.

For his part, Ammar Amoun, the chief negotiator of SPLM-N, said: "We agreed on most of the agendas outlined in the framework agreement and the remaining points need further consultation outside the negotiating table. So we thank the mediation for calling off the talks for further consultation."

The rebel chief negotiator reiterated their commitment to the peace process in Sudan. "We hope that the current peace forums will bring an end to conflicts in Sudan. We also reiterate our commitment to pursue peace in Sudan through the Juba peace forum."