US Congressmen including senators said the signed peace agreement in South Sudan has failed, urging President Donald Trump to appoint a high-level special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan.

In a joint letter dated 24 February, the lawmakers said: “The assaults on civilians carried out during the course of the fighting in July 2016 between government and opposition forces shocked the conscience of the world, and served to demonstrate that the August 2015 peace agreement has failed.”

The letter urged President Donald Trump to appoint a high-level special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan with the international stature to bring urgently needed diplomatic leadership to international efforts to achieve a sustainable peace in and between the two countries.

They accused the government of South Sudan of obstructing the deployment of the additional 4000 peacekeepers to protect civilians in Juba.

Also, the congressmen called for pressure on Sudan government to respect the cessation of hostilities and allow free and unfettered humanitarian access to all parts of the country.

"United States leadership is critical to helping bring about a lasting peace in Sudan and South Sudan. Your swift action on this matter will make a difference in millions of lives," they said.

The joint letter was signed by eight senators and two representatives.

Photo: Former US special envoy Donald Booth talks to reporters after a meeting with the Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti (SUNA)