ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Mediators of the conflict in South Sudan say there is renewed fighting there between government and rebel troops.

Seyoum Mesfin, the chairman of the South Sudan mediation process by the regional block IGAD, Saturday condemned the fighting in Renk County in the Upper Nile state.

He says the fighting is a purposeful act aimed at derailing the next phase of the peace process.

South Sudan plunged into conflict mid-December when troops loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar clashed with those loyal to President Salva Kiir in what government claimed was a coup attempt. There has been sporadic fighting between the government and rebels despite the signing of two peace agreements during mediation process in Ethiopia.

More than 1 million people have fled their homes since the conflict began.

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