International

Relief as warring factions declare ceasefire in South Sudan

Published

8 years ago

July 12, 2016

Relief as warring factions declare ceasefire in South Sudan

Days after heavy fighting broke out claiming the lives of over a hundred soldiers in the South Sudan capital of Juba, the leaders of the warring factions have called for a ceasefire.

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has declared a “unilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities”, and ordered government troops to “disengage” from fighting rival forces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar, following days of violence that left hundreds dead.

Moments after the order was announced by the presidential spokesman Ateny Wek, it was quickly reciprocated by Machar, who ordered his troops to stop fighting.

“The president talked to Machar…they have talked about controlling their forces in an attempt to salvage what has remained of the peace agreement,” Ateny said.

Monday witnessed some of the heaviest fighting between the two sides, after clashes eruptedon Thursday.

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