The IGAD Council of Ministers said it decided not to pursue punitive measures on the violators of the cessation of hostilities deal in South Sudan after the latest developments in the peace process.

The IGAD Council of Ministers held a meeting in Nouakchott, Mauritania on 30 June, on the sideline of African Union to discuss the progress in the revitalization process.

In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, the Council welcomed the progress being made by the HLRF parties in the ongoing talks in Khartoum and the declaration of a permanent ceasefire in South Sudan.

“The Council also observed that, given the latest developments in the peace process and the need to implement the permanent ceasefire and achieve an inclusive peace agreement, it is not helpful to pursue punitive measures at this stage,” partly reads the statement.

The Council appealed to the African Union Ad-Hoc Committee for South Sudan, and all international partners and friends of South Sudan, to continue supporting the region’s effort to bring peace and implementation of its outcome.

The Council instructed the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan and his Taskforce to continue supporting the ongoing face-to-face talks in Khartoum and subsequently in Nairobi and decided to remain seized of this matter.