JUBA, Oct 16 (AP): South Sudan's fragile peace deal is faltering less than a month before the country's president and armed opposition leader are meant to form a coalition government and begin the long recovery from a five-year civil war.
Some doubt it is safe enough for opposition leader Riek Machar to return to the country by Nov. 12, when he would again serve as President Salva Kiir's deputy, an arrangement that has collapsed in fighting more than once.
Machar won't return unless security measures are in place, including a 3,000-member force for his protection, said the opposition's deputy chairman, Henry Odwar.
"The city is militarized, mistrust is high and Riek Machar's return in that environment without serious security arrangements in place could be dangerous," said Lauren Blanchard, an analyst with the U.S. Congress who recently visited with a congressional delegation.
It's difficult to see how the new government can be formed safely next month, she said.
The government vows to move ahead. If the opposition doesn't return it will be seen as holding the country "hostage," said government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny.
South Sudan's civil war killed almost 400,000 people and displaced millions. Implementation of the peace deal signed last year has been riddled with delays and a lack of funding.
Two key factors must be resolved before Machar's return. Opposition and government soldiers must be brought together into one national army. At least 42,000 troops, or about half of the new unified forces, need to be ready - along with the 3,000-member force for Machar.
The integration process has been sluggish while food, shelter and medicine are lacking. Some opposition soldiers complained to The Associated Press of government harassment.
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