Prospects for peace in South Sudan conflict do not seem near, as U.N. peacekeeping forces continue to struggle to end the conflict.

The U.N. Security Council met with South Sudan President Salva Kiir in Juba. More than 10,000 peacekeepers are in the country, and within the coming months that number will increase to 12,500.

However, both sides have been fighting for eight months and continue to strengthen their forces. A political solution to the issue is necessary for lasting peace, but the government and the opposition forces have not yet reached an agreement on a transitional government.

South Sudan descended into massive violence in December, when President Kiir accused his former vice president, Riek Machar, of attempting a coup. The violence quickly took on an ethnic dimension between Kiir’s Dinkas and Machar’s Nuer communities.

The government and rebels agreed earlier this year to the formation of a transitional government by last Sunday. That deadline passed with no agreement.

In addition to the fighting, a severe hunger crisis is deepening in the country. More than 1 million people fled their homes and nearly 100,000 still reside in U.N. camps.

Facing immense regional and international political pressure, the two sides have twice agreed to peace deals; neither has held.

CCTV America’s Nick Harper reports.

Follow Nick Harper on Twitter @NickHarperFSN

Violence continues in South Sudan despite peace talks

Prospects for peace in the South Sudan conflict do not seem near, as U.N. peacekeeping forces continue to struggle to end the conflict.

Report compiled with information from The Associated Press.