The government of South Sudan has once again signed a ceasefire agreement with the rebels in the country.
The deal which was signed on Thursday is part of latest attempt to end a four-year civil war and end the humanitarian crisis that has gripped the country.
The ceasefire will also enable aid workers to reach civilians caught in the fighting. Local media reported that the ceasefire is supposed to revive a 2015 peace deal that collapsed last year.
Representatives of President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar were both present at the signing.
The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat said “I do hope in signing this agreement, you will try to put an end to this tragedy …. This is an encouraging first phase,”
The sacking of deputy president Riek Machar by President Kiir led to the war which has been fought along ethnic lines between forces loyal to Kiir, who is Dinka, and Machar, who is Nuer.
Thousands of civilians have died in the war with millions displaced and in dire need of aid.
The new deal was signed in Ethiopia with the country’s Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu, saying “There is no longer any excuse for the violations of human rights. All parties are obliged to observe cessation of hostilities agreement.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
