The United Nations and African Union have warned South Sudan’s warring sides to immediately stop violating the latest ceasefire, or face “consequences.”
A joint statement by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat comes after South Sudan’s government and armed opposition traded accusations of attacks, since the ceasefire came into effect on December 24.
The international community has shown growing signs of impatience with both sides, as the internal conflict enters its fifth year.
South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013 following accusations by President Salva Kiir that his then deputy Riek Machar was plotting a coup against his government. Machar denied the allegations but then went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions others, prompting the UN to rank the country as Africa’s biggest refugee crisis.
The joint statement noted what it described as “appalling suffering,” and called on all sides to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access to the millions enduring widespread hunger.
Further peace talks mediated by a regional bloc are expected in early February in neighboring Ethiopia.
