The UN Secretary General has welcomed the agreement to resolve the crisis in South Sudan, and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilitiesMr. Ban Ki-moon, commended President Salva Kiir and the leader of the SPLM-SPLA in Opposition for signing the peace deal for ending the five month conflict.

Mr. Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, demanded that the parties “immediately translate these commitments into action on the ground, in particular the cessation of all hostilities.”

He emphasized that the two parties should cease all forms of hostilities and agreeing on a lasting and sustainable solution to the crisis.

The Secretary-General commended the regional body, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and in particular its chair, Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, for its on-going efforts.

During his recent visit to Juba last week, Mr. Ban repeated his call on both sides to find a political solution and put an immediate end to the violence, which has led to suffering of so many innocent civilians