Australia is calling on the government of South Sudan and the SPLM-in Opposition to immediately end the hostilities.

The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister says all parties to the conflict in South Sudan should honor the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in January.

Julie Bishop urges the two parties to engage in an ‘inclusive and peaceful political dialogue’ to end the conflict.

The Australian government also pledged an extra 7.8 million dollars for the provision of food and logistics through the World Food Program.

“The remaining $2.8 million will go to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for shelter, healthcare, food, water and sanitation for the estimated 270,000 South Sudanese who have fled to neighboring countries,” said Madam Julie.

She said a number of Australian defense peacekeepers are also working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to provide protection to civilians.

The UN estimates that 27,000 South Sudanese have fled to the neighboring countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.