China has called on South Sudan’s conflicting parties to implement a peace deal in order to resume peace and stability in the country, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
A peace agreement was signed on Sunday in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, between President Salva Kiir, Riek Machar and leaders of other opposition factions, capturing a power-sharing deal and security arrangements.
In response, spokesperson Hua Chunying said China welcomed and appreciated the peace deal, which marked an important step towards peace in South Sudan.
“We call on South Sudan’s conflicting parties to implement the peace deal and restore peace and stability at an early date,” Hua said, adding that China would as always provide support and assistance to the peace process in South Sudan.
South Sudan has been dogged by conflict since December 2013, sparked by a feud between President Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar.
Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup against his rule, allegations the latter denied but went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, prompting the United Nations to rank the country as Africa’s biggest refugee crisis.
The leaders have been holding talks since last month in a bid to pacify the country and institute a unity government incorporating the different factions.
