South Sudan rebel faction signs peace deal

KAMPALA: A faction of South Sudan rebels based in Yei River State in the southern part of the country on Sunday signed a peace agreement with the government, ending fierce fighting that has displaced thousands of people.

Brigadier-General Hillary Edson Yakani signed on behalf of the rebel group Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLA IO) while Major-General Marshal Babanen signed on behalf of government. Yakani said the SPLA IO would seek to persuade other rebels to lay down their arms in a bid to rebuild the country.

Fighting broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 after troops loyal to President Salva Kiir fought with those of his then vice-president Riek Machar. The fighting has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee the country. Xinhua