JUBA
By Atem Simon
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived Monday in South Sudan on a visit to his country's conflict-hit neighbor.
Sources with the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), which is currently leading mediation efforts between South Sudan's warring parties in Addis Ababa, told Anadolu Agency that al-Bashir's visit aims to push towards a ceasefire deal.
Khartoum had told IGAD leaders that it can use its influence and relations with the two parties to reach a political solution, the sources said.
The visit came following contacts between the Sudanese government and Ethiopian Ambassador to China Seyoum Mesfin, who has close links to the Sudanese leader, they added.
South Sudan has been shaken by violence since mid-December, when South Sudan President Silva Kiir accused sacked vice president Riek Machar of standing behind a failed coup attempt.
A subsequent government crackdown landed many of Machar's supporters in jail, but the former VP managed to flee to Jonglei State, a stronghold of his Nuer tribe.
Although Machar had initially denied involvement in the alleged coup, his forces have reportedly captured parts of both the Jonglei and Unity states.
The two sides have sent delegates to Addis Ababa for talks under IGAD sponsorship.
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