The SPLM in Opposition has signed minutes of a security workshop held last month in Addis Ababa on permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements.

They signed in Addis Ababa on Monday, after declining to do so for a month, and barely two weeks since IGAD envoys said the refusal to sign was an obstruction to the peace process.

During the workshop in September, the two sides disagreed on the number of organized forces to be deployed in Juba.

The government proposed 5,000 troops from all the organized forces to remain in Juba during the transitional period, but the SPLM in Opposition disagreed.

It suggested that the number of forces should be less than 500.

However, this morning, the SPLM in Opposition signed the minutes from the Security Workshop after discussions with the government.

IGAD chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin says the warring parties have understood that they have the responsibility to resolve their disputes and restore peace to South Sudan.

“No one is going to work this agreement for them. They have to work this agreement,” Mr Mesfin told the media.

The government has welcomed the signing of the minutes.

“It is worth mentioning that without us moving on this road for the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, then we cannot be talking of the implementation of the agreement because permanent ceasefire is the cornerstone for the implementation of the agreement,” said Michael Makuei, spokesperson of the government delegation in Addis Ababa.

“So, from here, I call upon our forces to keep peace, defend themselves only if they are attacked and not to move out of their trenches. At the same, I request the SPLM/A-IO forces to ensure that they don’t attack positions of the SPLA again.”

The parties are now expected to continue negotiations and address any concerns they have in the agreement.

Mr Mesfin says the signing of the minutes on permanent ceasefire and transitional security will now allow both parties to start implementing the agreement while continuing with discussions.