IGAD special envoys for South Sudan have called on the parties to the conflict to fully respect the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the plan for its implementation.

The envoys say the matrix for the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement sets out a clear timetable for the disengagement, separation and location of forces.

In a statement, the envoys say that any political concerns about the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and its implementation matrix are to be discussed in the IGAD-mediated negotiations.

They say these concerns cannot, and must not, be used to prevent the immediate implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities.

The envoys say that continued conflict will only worsen the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, risk the lives of millions, and destabilize the entire region.

They say that any violation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the plan for its implementation would worsen the poor humanitarian situation in the country.

The statement says that any violations will be met by tough and decisive action by IGAD.

The envoys say that IGAD will take all measures in its power to prevent the humanitarian crisis from deepening.