The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has called on the IGAD Heads of State and government to convene an urgent summit in Juba to contain the deteriorating situation in South Sudan.

Festus Mogae made the statement during the opening of the IGAD Heads of State summit in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday.

JMEC chairperson, Festus Mogae said holding a summit in Juba will assure the people of South Sudan of continuing commitment by the region to the peace process.

He said the IGAD Summit should endorse the deployment of an international protection force to guarantee safety and security in Juba.

Mogae called on the IGAD Summit to demand an immediate verification of the disposition of dispersed IO forces outside the designated sites, and the SPLA forces around Juba and those that have moved into town from the 25KM cantonment sites

He urged the body to call for immediate cantonment of armed forces throughout the country in accordance with the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Workshop provisions.

JMEC chair also told the Heads of State to urge President Salva Kiir and First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar to ensure strict adherence by their respective forces to the ceasefire.

Mr. Mogae said that the two leaders have expressed willingness to meet for discussion.

He said that Dr. Riek Machar has asked for security to be provided for him to meet with President Kiir.