The African Union Commission yesterday applauded South Sudanese President Salva Kiir for signing a peace deal at a ceremony in Juba.

Kiir's rival Riek Machar had already signed the deal on 17 August in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Chairperson of the AU Commission Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said in a press statement that the signing “represents a critical step in the efforts aimed at ending the conflict.”

Zuma called on the South Sudanese parties to abide by “all terms” of the agreement and work to open an new chapter in the history of their country.

She also said that the AU is committed to support the implementation of the agreement. She also commended the AU High Representative for South Sudan, former President Alfa Oumar Konare, who participated in the Juba signing ceremony yesterday.

Radio Tamazuj Photo: Former Mali president Alpha Oumar Konare (left) with South Sudan deputy foreign minister Bashir Gbandi, July 2015

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