The Intergovernmental Authority on Development or IGAD Special Envoys to South Sudan strongly condemned renewed conflict in Bentiu, Unity State by SPLM in opposition, calling on them to immediately cease hostilities.
In a statement CRN obtained on Thursday, IGAD said the unfortunate fighting came despite the significant progress in the peace talks in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia after major steps in resolving outstanding differences during the recent consultations.
It added that President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar committed to work together, share power in the transitional government and the decision by the three competing factions in the intra-SPLM party dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania to accept collective responsibility for the conflict.
IGAD lamented that the violence came at the start of the current session of peace talks and on the eve of the convening of the Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and government at their specific request, direct negotiations between President Kiir and Dr Machar.
IGAD called the Opposition to abandon the option of war as already dire humanitarian situation throughout South Sudan is further put in danger and risks millions of lives and the international effort to address the humanitarian catastrophe.
It renewed a call for the two parties to adhere to their commitments of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to end the recruitment and mobilization of forces.