Inter-Governmental Authority on Development or IGAD called for immediate cessation of hostilities in South Sudan and urgent dialogue for a peaceful solution to the political crisis.
IGAD heads of state in their extraordinary summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday chaired by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn strongly called for face-to-face talks by all stakeholders on December 31.
The heads of state threatened to take further measures if hostilities do not cease within four days.
The Summit commended the report of the IGAD Council of Ministers emergency visit of December 19 and discussions with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
It called upon Dr Riek Machar and other parties to make similar commitments.