South Sudan warring parties yesterday signed an implementation matrix and agreed on a timetable for implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

The Chief Negotiator of the government, Nhial Deng Nhial and Chief Negotiator of the SPLM – In Opposition signed the implementation matrix and its addendum.

Chair of IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan Seyoum Mesfin welcomed the agreement.

“Let me say this is really a great day not only for the people of South Sudan but also for the entire region because this is again the commitment in the implementation of what the two Principals in front of the Summit, in front of their people and the international community declared – that the war in South Sudan is over,” Mr Mesfin said.

The Spokesperson of the government delegation in the peace talks cum Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, said the deal ‘marks the real beginning of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement’.

“Because with this document now, both the forces will be required to provide their deployment, their armaments and with this now, we will be in a position to open up humanitarian corridors and so forth,” he added.

The IGAD Special Envoys, in a press release they sent out after the signing, called on the parties to swiftly and earnestly take all measures to implement the agreed timetable.