Western Equatoria State map. (Courtesy).

In Western Equatoria, civilians and the army in the state have signed an agreement to cease hostilities against each other and allow citizens to return home, the state minister information has said.

The conflict broke out in late April, when unknown gunmen killed the Executive Director of Mundri East, John Cleopa.

This was followed by random in the town, causing residents to flee their homes to the bushes and the neighboring areas.

Security forces were later deployed in the area to contain the situation.

But there have been continued reports of clashes between civilians and the army in the area. Scores were killed in the 7-month long conflict.

However, the Minister of Information and Communication, Daniel Zingifaboro says the two sides signed an agreement yesterday.

He says this was brokered by the state deputy governor and a delegation from the state.

“I’m not able to give you everything in the agreement, but the basic things are: the first one is that there should not be any continuation [of violence] between the citizens and the army,” Mr Zingifaboro said.

“The second one is that, people should now return home.”

Officials estimate that over 80,000 – mostly women and children – bear the brunt of conflict as most of them were uprooted from their homes, exposing them to diseases and hunger.

At least eight civilians starved to death in October, according to the state Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.