The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD strongly condemns the targeted killings in South Sudan.
IGAD Heads of States in their two-day meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia also condemn sexual violence on women and girls.
The meeting chaired by Ethiopian Premier Hailemariam Desalegn over the weekend expressed deep concern about rising ethnic rhetoric, hate speech and ethnically-fuelled violence.
The IGAD Heads of States urge the political leaders to take immediate steps to prevent discrimination, hostility and hatred that incites violence.
IGAD expresses disappointment over peace deal implementation faced with serious setback since July.
The bloc urges all warring parties to immediately cease hostilities.
IGAD calls on Kenya to reconsider its decision of withdrawing its peacekeeping forces from South Sudan and participation in peace process.