IGAD envoys say the warring parties should strictly implement a permanent ceasefire within 72 hours after the signing of the agreement.

President Salva Kiir signed the agreement in Juba on Wednesday.

The leader of the SPLM in Opposition, Dr Riek Machar, and that of the Former Political Detainees, Mr Pagan Amum, signed it in Addis Ababa last week.

In a statement, the envoys say the two sides should now focus on the full and complete implementation of the agreement.

“At this important juncture, we call up on the warring parties to strictly implement the Permanent Ceasefire within 72 hours of the signing of the Agreement, as provided for in Chapter II, Art. 1. of the Agreement,” they say in a statement.

“We recognize that the signing of this Agreement is the end of the protracted phase of negotiations and the beginning of the implementation phase. … We are confident that, if this Agreement is implemented with sustained political will, courage, integrity and diligence, it will bring lasting peace and prosperity for the people of South Sudan,” the statement reads in part.

The envoys also urge South Sudanese leaders, members of IGAD-PLUS and the entire international community to join hands in the full implementation of the peace deal.

“We, the IGAD Special Envoys, therefore urge all parties involved, the leaders and the people of South Sudan, members of IGAD-PLUS and the entire international community to join hands in the full implementation and realization of the peace Agreement as well as the successful establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity and beyond.”

The statement says “a new era of peace and prosperity has been ushered” for the people of South Sudan and that “the barrel of the gun shall be silent.”