Advertisement

South Sudan rivals sign ceasefire agreement

A temporary ceasefire agreement was signed by South Sudanese rebels and the government, with additional talks planned for February 7.

By JC Finley
Civilians at the UN House compound on the southwestern outskirts of Juba on December 17, 2013. Up to 13,000 South Sudanese civilians have sought refuge at the UN compounds in Juba, fleeing fighting between members of the SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) that broke out in Juba on the night of 15 December. UPI/UNMISS/Julio Brathwaite
1 of 2 | Civilians at the UN House compound on the southwestern outskirts of Juba on December 17, 2013. Up to 13,000 South Sudanese civilians have sought refuge at the UN compounds in Juba, fleeing fighting between members of the SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) that broke out in Juba on the night of 15 December. UPI/UNMISS/Julio Brathwaite

Both sides to the South Sudanese conflict, the government and rebels, signed a ceasefire agreement on Thursday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, scheduled to go into effect within 24 hours.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development announced earlier Thursday "There will be a signing ceremony of agreements on cessation of hostilities and question of detainees between the South Sudanese parties."

Advertisement

The Sudanese government took to Twitter to convey its gratitude to IGAD for convening and facilitating the weeks-long negotiations. It also tweeted a message to rebel leader and former South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar.

Both sides agreed the ceasefire would be temporary, with additional negotiations necessary to reach a more permanent agreement.

Although the prospect of renewed violence looms, opposition spokesman Mabior Garang views the temporary cease-fire as an opportunity to better facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid "and it will give us an opportunity to explain the conflict to the people, about the objectives of the struggle."

Advertisement

Talks are expected to resume February 7.

Violence broke out in South Sudan on December 15, 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his fired deputy, Riek Machar, of attempting a coup. Fighting between forces loyal to the two men has continued since December, with the political dispute devolving into an ethnic conflict. Thousands have died and an estimated 500,000 displaced.

[Financial Times] [BBC]

Latest Headlines

Advertisement

Trending Stories

Advertisement

Follow Us

Advertisement