We welcome yesterday’s signing of the ceasefire agreement. As part of the High‑Level Revitalization Forum under the auspices of the regional organisation IGAD, this is an important first step towards restoring peace in this country wracked by civil war.

Around a third of the population of South Sudan has already fled their homes and the humanitarian situation in the country is catastrophic.

We therefore urge all stakeholders to implement this ceasefire agreement to the letter and in the long term and to ensure that humanitarian organisations are not hindered in their work.

Furthermore, we call on all parties to continue to play a constructive role in revitalising the peace Agreement.