Kenya ? Ugandan rebels pulled out of peace talks with the government Friday, dealing a blow to already faltering negotiations aimed at ending one of Africa’s most brutal conflicts.

The rebel group Lord’s Resistance Army said they were quitting because they were no longer welcome by Sudan, which is hosting the talks. The rebels claimed their security was threatened after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said Tuesday that the only solution to the problem of the rebels was a military one.

LRA spokesman Obonyo Olweny told a news conference in Nairobi the rebels were still committed to a mediated and negotiated settlement but his group wants the talks moved from Juba, southern Sudan to Kenya or South Africa.

The rebels said they would abide by a landmark cease-fire agreement they signed with the Ugandan government in August but would no longer take part in the talks in southern Sudan.