Int'l community calls for cease-fire in South Sudan

The international community on Sunday called for cessation of hostilities in South Sudan where intense fighting has killed hundreds of people and displaced million others.

In a joint statement received in Juba, the African Union (AU), the United Nations, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expressed their deep concerns over the continuing spread of fighting, and risk of inter-communal violence escalating into mass atrocities, and the dire humanitarian situation.

"The AU, IGAD and UN reaffirmed their continued and collective commitment in the search for lasting peace, security and stability in the country," said the statement which was issued following consultations on the sidelines of the AU summit in Addis Ababa.

The meeting, chaired by Ethiopian Prime Minister and IGAD chairman Hailemariam Desalegn, was also attended by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations.

South Sudan has faced ongoing challenges since a political stalemate erupted into full blown conflict in December 2013.

The crisis has produced one of the world's worst displacement situations with immense suffering for civilians.

The international community said there can only be a political solution to the conflict within the framework of the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).

"The AU, IGAD and UN reiterated their call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the parties to ensure inclusivity of the political process, both in the proposed National Dialogue and in the implementation of the ARCSS," it said.

"The AU, IGAD and the UN reaffirmed their commitment and determination to further enhance their cooperation in support of the South Sudan peace process," the statement said.

In July last year the world's youngest nation was plunged into fresh violence due to clashes between rival forces -- the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), loyal to Salva Kiir, and the SPLA in Opposition, backing Riek Machar.

That led to deaths and injuries, including many civilians and several UN peacekeepers, jeopardizing the peace agreement between the political rivals in August 2015, which formally ended their differences.

source: Xinhua