Religious leaders at the peace talks in Addis Ababa have called on the warring parties to declare a ceasefire.

This call came hours after the leadership committee composed of 12-members from the government, the SPLM-In Opposition and the former detainees, disagreed on all the sticking points of discussion.

These include power sharing ratios at the national level and in the Upper Nile Region, the scope of ceasefire, demilitarization of Juba, and the system of governance.

“We are hoping that at least there should be a ceasefire and people can continue with the outstanding issues when we return to South Sudan,” said Bishop Enock Tombe, leader of the religious group.

The deputy Secretary-General of the South Sudan Islamic Council, Mohamed Hassan Marjan, says there is still hope for a peace deal.

“As citizens of South Sudan, let everybody have hope that peace is coming. Let each and every one of us, whether Muslim or Christian, pray to God to intervene to touch the hearts of those who are negotiating so that at least they reach an agreement.”

The negotiations officially ended yesterday. But today, the security committee drawn from both sides of the government and the SPLM in Opposition are holding a workshop on transitional security arrangements.

President Salva Kiir and the leader of the SPLM in Opposition, Dr. Riek Machar are expected in Addis Ababa today or tomorrow  for talks on the contentious issues.