African leaders are pushing for a quick resolution to the conflict in South Sudan through the IGAD-led mediation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

14 eminent leaders from the continent say the humanitarian situation in the country can no longer be ignored while many civilians continue to be killed and displaced.

The leaders are from Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Burundi, Ghana, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and the African Union.

They sent a letter to President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar calling for an end to the hostilities and for them to accept unconditional peace.

“Let this be your moment to follow in the footsteps of the great African leaders who have left behind a legacy of inclusive peace. Let your decisive action now to end hostilities be your legacy to all the people of South Sudan, to Africa and to the world as history will harshly judge you if you fail to do so”, read the letter.

The letter says it is unacceptable for President Kiir and Dr. Riek to allow the country to disintegrate and for the conflict to obstruct peace, prosperity and stability.

“The Independence should have led to all South Sudanese living in peace, having access to jobs and incomes and public services enabling them to live in dignity. Instead, 1 in every 5 displaced South Sudanese is living in inaccessible areas, making it difficult to access food and clean water,” it added.

The African leaders demand an immediate end to the violence and calls on the two leaders to put the interests of the people of South Sudan first.

President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar are expected to meet at the National Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this afternoon.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of signing a permanent ceasefire and endorse the resumption of talks on the transitional arrangements.

IGAD Council of Ministers is also expected to meet this morning at Sheraton Hotel to deliberate on the situation in South Sudan.

Over the weekend, representatives of various stakeholders met in Addis Ababa to discuss ways of achieving a sustainable peace in South Sudan.

Over 250 representatives gave their views on the interim and transitional arrangements, security sector reform, constitution reform process and justice, healing and reconciliation process.