At a summit in Addis Ababa, IGAD leaders say if the war continues in South Sudan, the region shall take necessary measures to directly intervene to protect life and restore peace.

IGAD said in a statement issued on Friday after the summit that the intervention would be taken without further reference to the warring parties.

The government and the SPLM in Opposition have been holding talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to end the eleven-month conflict.

“Any violation of the cessation of the hostilities by any party will invite the following collective action by the IGAD region against those responsible for such violations, which will include, but are not limited to: the enactment of asset freezes, the enactment of travel bans within the region, denial of the supply of arms and ammunition, and any other material that could be used in war,” read the statement.

The regional body also calls on the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council to render all possible assistance if it becomes necessary to implement the measures.

The statement said the summit also endorsed a request by the warring parties to be given more time for consultations and approved 15 days to complete these consultations.

IGAD demands that the parties commit to an unconditional, complete and immediate end to all hostilities.

IGAD said the parties should also commit to immediately bring the war to an end and commit to the immediate end of the recruitment and mobilization of civilians.

Media reports say President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar agreed at the sidelines of the IGAd summit to cease hostilities and make peace.