An arms embargo or sanctions on South Sudan will not provide a solution to the crisis in South Sudan, IGAD heads of state have said.

Last month, the United Nations States launched a proposal at the Security Council to impose targeted sanctions and an arms embargo on South Sudan.

The move came days after the United Nations warned there were signs of increased violence and looting in the country.

In a joint communiqué’ the Intergovernmental Authority on Development heads of states say what South Sudan requires is; dialogue, reconciliation and commitment from all South Sudanese in order to implement the peace agreement.

They say, this is the only viable way to achieving peace and stability in the country.

The regional leaders say their serious concern and dismay is that, the implementation of the peace agreement has faced a serious setback since the July incident in Juba.

They appealed to all parties to cease hostilities and embrace dialogue in order to move the country forward.

The leaders welcomed the consent of the Transitional Government of National Unity to allow immediate deployment of the Regional Protection Force, including all their enablers, equipment and weapons required by the force.

They called upon the government to fully cooperate with the operations of the Ceasefire Transitional Security Monitoring Mechanism, United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and humanitarian partners.

According to them, it is the responsibility of the government to facilitate their free movement and also ensure safe passage for humanitarian aid agencies and the workers in the country.