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The regional body IGAD has shelved plans to impose sanctions – despite the warring sides missing Monday’s deadline to strike a peace deal.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir failed to sign a peace deal proposed by regional leaders on Monday saying he required more time.

South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, descended into chaos in December 2013 when a political row between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar spiralled into an armed conflict that reopened ethnic faultlines.

Numerous rounds of negotiations have failed to end hostilities with both sides locked in a bitter war of attrition despite signing ceasefire deals