The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged South Sudan government to urgently disburse the funds for the implementation of the critical pending tasks in the peace deal.

In May, South Sudan’s government pledged to provide $100 million to expedite the implementation of the peace agreement.

“The Council urges the Government of South Sudan to urgently disburse the funds for the implementation of the critical pending tasks as pledged, “the IGAD Council of Ministers said in a statement after its meeting in Ethiopia on Wednesday.

The regional bloc lauded "positive developments" in the implementation of the peace deal and called on all parties to continue their engagement in the peace process.

The council also called on all parties to provide special protection to women and girls as they remain vulnerable and urged peace monitors to give special attention to the matter and report regularly.

It reiterated the importance of the special role of women in the peace process and called on all the parties to abide by the provision of the agreement on the participation of women in all institutions and mechanisms.

The regional IGAD grouping appealed to the international community to reinforce the support that has been provided for the implementation of the peace deal.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar and several opposition groups Kiir signed a revitalized peace deal last year but failed to form a new government as stipulated in the agreement by May 12.

The formation of the unity government was extended by six months to November after the parties failed to implement key provisions such as creating a unified army and determining the number of states.