In the peace talks in Addis Ababa, IGAD Leaders have agreed to the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity within 45 days.

The IGAD Chairman, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, says the region will take tough action against the warring parties if they fail to respect and implement the agreement they have signed.

The government and SPLM in Opposition have inked the Matrix for the Cessation of Hostilities which is an implementation Matrix based on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed earlier.

“Failing to do so will have a consequence,” warned PM Dessalegn.

“Squabbling and delaying in procedural matters of the negotiation will not be acceptable by all means.”

The IGAD heads of state held their 27th Extraordinary Summit in Addis Ababa yesterday.

In a communiqué or statement, the leaders welcomed the plan for the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

They urged the warring parties to put an end to the nine month conflict.

The Chief Negotiators of the Government and of the SPLM-SPLA in Opposition, Nhial Deng Nhial, and Taban Deng Gai, signed the Matrix in the presence of President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar.

The event was witnessed by IGAD leaders and representatives of the international community.

This the second time the warring parties have agreed to form an interim government.  In June, they agreed to form one in 60 days, in vain.