Presidents Kiir and Obama in a photo during a past visit to US.

The US government is calling on the warring parties in South Sudan to honor the cessation of hostilities agreement. 

The statement was issued by Secretary of State John Kerry, to mark South Sudan Sudan’s Independence Day. He called on both parties to respect the agreement they signed on the 23rd of January.

John Kerry said he was speaking on behalf of the US President, and the people of the United States, saying three years ago, he witnessed the people of South Sudan vote to forge a new nation.

“It is high time to honor fully the Cessation of Hostilities agreement of January 23 to end the violence, especially the violence being targeted against civilians,” he said in a press statement.

He said, now much is being threatened by the current conflict.

The US Secretary of State said too much blood has been spilled, and too many lives have been lost.

John Kerry said it is high time that President Salva Kiir and former deputy, Dr. Riek Machar must show courage and leadership.

“Now is the time for South Sudan’s leaders to show courage and leadership, and to reaffirm their commitment to unity, to reconciliation and accountability, and to a better future for the people of South Sudan,” he added.

“The people of South Sudan need their leaders to use the Intergovernmental Authority on Development peace process to end the conflict and establish a transitional government that can ensure stability, prosperity, and peace for all.”