A hiccup in the peace process? One rebel faction seems to have its own ideas about deals with the Sudanese government. The Shilluk ethnic group faction led by Lam Akol had left the SPLA in 1997 to cut a deal with the Sudanese government. At the time the SPLA accused him of defection. Now Akol says he is going to quit cooperating with the government and return to his forces in the field. Akol's forces are in Upper Nile state. It is not clear what Akol's relationship will be with the SPLA. The main SPLA group, led by John Garang, is currently engaged in serious peace negotiations with the Sudanese government. Stay tuned.