Stop-start South Sudan peace talks resume

A sign reading "vulnerable people" is seen as women wait in line for food distribution at the UNMISS POC (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan for the Protection of Civilians) site on June 26, 2014 in Tomping, South Sudan. AFP PHOTO | CHARLES LOMODONG

ADDIS ABABA, Monday

Talks aimed at ending South Sudan's civil war resumed in Ethiopia on Monday, mediators said, as sporadic fighting continued to rage between rebel and government fighters in the oil-rich country.

The talks have been on hold since late August, when President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar signed a new ceasefire deal the fourth since fighting began nine months ago and forge a unity government by October 9.

On Saturday eastern Africa's regional Igad bloc, which has been mediating the talks, denounced ongoing "senseless fighting" in South Sudan and complained that hostilities appeared to flare each time talks were on the verge of resuming.

The talks are now being held in the north-western Ethiopian town of Bahir Dar, having been shifted away from the capital Addis Ababa where peace delegates have been accused of running up huge bills in luxury hotels and not being serious about peace.

According to European diplomats, the talks have so far cost close to 20 million euros.