African Union or AU Commission Chairperson welcomed the signing of Cessation of Hostilities Agreements and the Status of Detainees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by the Government and SPLM/A in opposition.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in a statement issued on Friday, commended the parties for compromise and mutual accommodation they demonstrated in the negotiations.
She appreciated IGAD commitment and praised perseverance and untiring efforts of mediators chaired by Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin and the international partners’ continued support.
Dr Zuma said the signing marked a first and significant step to the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan, calling on the parties to faithfully and fully implement their commitments to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground.
The Chairperson called on the parties to fully cooperate with IGAD on the establishment and the implementation of the monitoring and verification mechanism.
Dr Zuma urged the parties to engage in the inclusive political dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict and recommit to rebuilding the young nation.
She reiterated AU’s commitment to continue supporting the IGAD follow up the implementation of the Inquiry Commission to look into human rights violations committed during the conflict.