By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG (AA) – South Africa on Monday urged all stakeholders in South Sudan’s conflict to work together in implementing the recently signed peace deal aimed at ending years of conflict.
South African Deputy President David Mabuza, who is also the country’s special envoy to South Sudan, held talks with President Salva Kiir and others in the South Sudanese capital Juba on Monday.
South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world declared independence from Sudan following a referendum in 2011.
The country slid into civil war in December 2013, following disagreements between Kiir and the then Deputy President Riek Machar.
Last month, Kiir and his main rivals signed a deal to share power in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
In a statement, Mabuza said successful implementation of the peace agreement will benefit the people of South Sudan and the entire continent.
He expressed his confidence in the peace agreement and assured the South Sudanese leaders of his country’s continued unwavering support to the peace process.
According to the UN, 1.74 million South Sudanese have been internally displaced by the conflict, while 2.47 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
