PEACE TALK IN SOUTH SUDAN START AS CEASE FIRE DEADLINE APPROACHES

The situation in south Sudan will come to an end if the two warring leaders agrees on the way forward .Negotiation talks are underway whereas both sides have been represented.This comes as the deadline to cease fire  by EastAfrican community comes to an end. 

Negotiators from President Salva Kiir and those from rebel leader Dr Riek Machar agreed in principle today to reach a monitored cessation of hostilities.

The talks started in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

The talks kicked off just as the ultimatum issued to Kiir and Machar for a ceasefire by IGAD came to an end.

In a statement to the press, IGAD’s Executive Secretary H.E Ambassador (Eng) Mahboub M. Maalim commended the two sides for heeding the call by regional states for dialogue.

Mahboub expressed gratitude to both the Republic of Kenya and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for facilitating the work of the special envoys.

Mahboub further expressed concern for the civilians in South Sudan affected by the strife and called on all locals to desist from violence as the modalities for talks are being finalized.

Machar had earlier today announced that his troops would be marching to Juba regardless of the peace talks that were already underway in Ethiopia.

Mahboub has however reiterated his reassurance to the people of the Republic of South Sudan of his and IGAD’s full support towards reaching a peaceful solution.

Mahboub also called upon the international community to continue supporting IGAD’s efforts towards sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan.

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