Talks between the government and the SPLM/SPLA –in Opposition have been adjourned to the 20^th of March without any resolution.

IGAD mediators issued a press statement last night saying the recess will allow the parties to further reflect and consult on guiding documents of the process, as well as allow the Envoys to consult with the civil society and ensure their views are reflected in the Declaration of Principles and framework for dialogue.

IGAD says the parties have already signed a Declaration of Principles that will help to guide the second phase of the direct talks and constitute the basis for sustainable peace.

The envoys also said that the SPLM/SPLA-In Opposition has signed the Implementation Modalities, in support of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities –which the party rejected last week, over the inclusion of Nasir County as an area where monitors will be deployed.

IGAD further said funding has been secured for Monitoring and Verification Mechanism operations, and that an advance team travelled to all planned team sites –which are Juba, Bor, Akobo, Bentiu, Malakal and Nasir.

IGAD called on the parties to fully cooperate with the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, abide by the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and show their political will and commitment to end the conflict.

The statement says IGAD is consulting with the region, the African Union, the United Nations and IGAD partners for the deployment of a protection and stabilization force from the region.

During the two-week break, IGAD Special Envoys and IGAD partners will convene a civil society conference in Addis Ababa next week.

IGAD also says a team of SPLM leaders will meet in Addis Ababa during the break for an SPLM intra-party dialogue, to develop an agenda, modalities, and timeframe for Review and Self-Assessment of the SPLM as a party.

IGAD says it hopes such a meeting will generate positive contribution for a broader political dialogue and national reconciliation.

The Special Envoys appeal to both parties to facilitate and support humanitarian assistance.

The Envoys call up on the international community to put necessary pressure on the parties, to avert, they say, an appalling humanitarian catastrophe.

Finally, the Special Envoys say they will propose an extraordinary IGAD Summit, in order to assess progress and provide directions.