The African Union says the international community should immediately impose sanctions on South Sudan leaders who are obstructing the peace process.

It says there should be fresh efforts to engage the warring parties in expanded peace talks with regional and continental leaders.

The AU made the statement after reports of clashes in Unity State since last week.

The AU Commission Chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has called on the warring parties to commit to peace and end the suffering of the people.

“It’s high time that they live-up to their commitments. They have to end the unnecessary suffering they are inflicting on their own people,” Dr Dlamini-Zuma said in the statement.

“They have to understand that there is no military solution to the current conflict.”

According to the United Nations, over 300,000 civilians have fled the latest clashes in the state. They are in dire need of food, healthcare and shelter.