Leader of the South Sudanese rebel group SPLM-IO has ordered his forces not to carry out any attacks, declaring a “permanent ceasefire” in accordance with a new peace deal.
Machar issued a command to “all units” referring to the new IGAD peace deal in which it requires forces to cease fire.
“All forces are to remain alert in their current positions and to act only in self-defence or respond upon aggression.”
The ceasefire declaration follows Machar’s signing of the IGAD-brokered peace agreement in Addis Ababa on 17 August, and follows shortly after President Salva Kiir issued the same order to his own forces.
File photo: Riek Machar in his office in Juba in 2012 (Voice of America)