Machar orders his troops to cease hostilities

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has ordered his troops to cease hostilities ahead of a ceasefire that will take effect on Sunday.

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has ordered his troops to cease hostilities ahead of a ceasefire that will take effect on Sunday.

The cessation of hostilities is announced this evening in response to the agreement that was hammered out by IGAD countries after five days of negotiations in Ethiopia on Thursday.

“In adherence to the agreement, I am herby ordering all forces to cease all hostilities to remain in their bases,” party reads Machar’s order.

However, the main opposition leader directed his forces to act in self-defense if attacked by government troops.

Rebel spokesman Paul Lam Gabriel confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that Riek Machar has officially declared cessation of hostilities. "It is true that Machar has ordered the forces to cease hostilities,” he said.

Lam accused the government forces of launching offensives on their positions in different places across the country today.

South Sudan’s government and rebel groups signed a cessation of hostilities deal in an attempt to end the ongoing civil war and allow NGOs access to civilians.