UN Secretary General, Ban Ki- Moon has urged President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar to resolve their differences and reach a lasting peace agreement.

In a statement issued late yesterday evening, the UN spokesperson’s office said the Secretary-General strongly urged Mr. Kiir and Mr. Machar “to show leadership” and put the “well-being of South Sudanese ahead of all other interests.” Moreover, he added, the two leaders should work to make “the necessary compromises to conclude a power sharing agreement that paves the way for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in South Sudan.”

He says the two leaders should compromise and conclude a power sharing agreement to pave the way for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

The IGAD mediation team is meeting separately with both President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar before the two leaders meet again this evening.