{UAH} Once more for the second again: South Sudan Warring Sides Sign Ceasefire Deal in Ethiopia

South Sudan Warring Sides Sign Ceasefire Deal in Ethiopia

December 22, 2017 - After several discussions, South Sudan's government and rebel groups signed a ceasefire agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.The latest attempt aimed at ending a four-year civil war and allow humanitarian groups access to civilians caught in the fighting.

The ceasefire aims to revive a 2015 peace deal that collapsed last year after heavy fighting broke out in South Sudan's capital Juba. It was agreed after talks in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa convened by regional bloc IGAD.

A decision by President Salva Kiir to sack his deputy Riek Machar triggered the war in the world's youngest country. The war has been fought largely along ethnic lines between forces loyal to Kiir, who is Dinka, and Machar, who is Nuer.

Tens of thousands have died and a third of the population of 12 million have fled their homes. The conflict has since mutated from a two-way fight into one involving multiple parties and this has made it harder to find peace. Representatives of Kiir and Machar were both present at the signing.

"I do hope in signing this agreement, you will try to put an end to this tragedy. This is an encouraging first phase," said Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com