Accusations of ceasefire violation in South Sudan

Addis Ababa, May 12 (IANS) Barely two days after the South Sudan government and the rebel leaders signed a ceasefire agreement for cessation of hostilities in a five-month-old civil war, the two sides blamed each other over violations of the agreement.

South Sudanese rebels led by former vice-president Riek Machar lodged a formal complaint with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Sunday over the alleged violations, the Sudan Tribune reported.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Machar signed the new peace pact Friday in Addis Ababa, in which they recommitted themselves to ending hostilities in the north-eastern African country and allowing humanitarian access to affected communities.

A rebel spokesman said the complaint was lodged by Machar as government forces Sunday launched attacks on their positions in the oil-rich northern states of Upper Nile and Unity in breach of the ceasefire agreement.

According to the ceasefire agreement, all violence was supposed to stop 24 hours after its signing.

In response to the allegations, the South Sudanese government also accused the rebels of violating the ceasefire as armed forces were attacked in two areas in Unity state.

One of the areas under attack was near the area of Bentiu.

The two rival leaders are due to meet for the second time next month for further de-escalation talks and discussions on the formation of a transitional government.

The ceasefire agreement was signed to put an end to the ongoing South Sudan conflict.

The civil war commenced Dec 15, 2013, sparked by President Kiir's decision in July to oust long time rival Machar from the post of vice president.

The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, and more than 1.2 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

The UN has accused both sides of crimes against humanity, including mass killings and gang-rape.