Uganda rebel leader delays peace deal signing: top mediator

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

RI-KWANGBA, Sudan (AFP) — Uganda's top rebel leader Joseph Kony has requested further consultations before signing a peace agreement to end one of Africa's longest conflicts, the chief mediator said Thursday.

Speaking from the venue near the south Sudanese jungle town of Ri-Kwangba, where Kony was initially scheduled to sign at midday, Riek Machar said Kony had asked for more time to confer with elders from northern Uganda and mediators.

"Since he's now talking to cultural leaders and bishops, it may take time, then he will have a meeting with me and that too will take time," the south Sudanese vice president said.

"I expect it tomorrow," Machar said, when asked when the signing would take place.

Kony -- whose group is notorious for raping and...