AU chief warns of “disaster” if South Sudan peace deal fails

August 19, 2015 (JUBA) – Failure by South Sudan’s warring factions to reach a compromise at the peace talks mediated by regional leaders could lead to “disaster” on the the young nation and the region at large, the African Union (AU) Commission chairperson warned on Wednesday.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s statement came a day after the South Sudanese leader, Salva Kiir declined to sign a final peace agreement, which his arch-rival Riek Machar and the representative of the country’s former political detainees, Pagan Amum inked on Monday. President Kiir requested for 15 more days for consultations prior to signing the accord.

“Deadlock in the peace process can only spell further disaster for South Sudan and its people, with far reaching implications for regional security and stability,” said Zuma.

Both the United States had warned the country’s leaders of sanctions and an arms embargo should they fail to meet the 17 August deadline set by the regional bloc (IGAD).

Zuma described the agreement as a balanced document whose faithful and effective implementation by all the parties would enable them to find a lasting solution to the current conflict, further urging the leaders to strive for peace and stability in the country.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced in South Sudan’s unending conflict, which could drag on given the ongoing situation at the talks. An estimated upto 4 million people, aid agencies say, could face starvation in the nation.

(ST)