South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir said Monday his forces are observing the ceasefire deal signed in neighbouring Ethiopia last week, despite the rebels’ continued assaults on government-held areas.
South Sudan’s government and rebels have both accused one another of violating the agreement on cessation of hostilities in Unity state just hours after it came into effect on Sunday.
“The cessation of hostilities agreement was violated yesterday morning [Sunday] in Bentiu area, in an area called Koch. It was violated by the so-called armed groups,” said Kiir while addressing congregations at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba on Monday.
“I know the international community will say that all sides are guilty of violation of ceasefire. No, we keep our words. It is they [rebels] who attacked us,” he said.
The South Sudanese leader said his forces will not conduct military offensives against opposition forces. “We are observing the ceasefire, and it is not new to many of you here. I declared it many times, unilateral ceasefire,” he said.