Obama welcomes South Sudan ceasefire

U.S. President Barack Obama reaffirmed his support for the people of South Sudan as he welcomed the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the Salva Kiir government and supporters of the former vice president Riek Machar, which he described as "a critical first step toward building a lasting peace." "The United States has long supported the aspirations of the people of South Sudan for independence, peace, and prosperity," said Obama in a statement, late on Thursday. "Now, South Sudan's leaders need to work to fully and immediately implement the agreement and start an inclusive political dialogue to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict. The full participation of political detainees currently being held by the Government of South Sudan will be critical to those discussions, and we will continue to work to expedite their release," he added. "I am grateful for the constructive role played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and our partners in the region to advance these efforts." There are 11 political prisoners currently under house arrest in South Sudan, but the government announced via Twitter on Thursday that it will consider amnesty, only after they have their day in court. "In order to regain the trust of their people and the international community, South Sudan's leaders must demonstrate their sustained commitment to a peaceful resolution of the crisis," said Obama. "They have an obligation to ensure that the lives of their people and future of their young country are not further marred by continued violence, and that individuals who have committed atrocities are held to account." "Those working for a more peaceful, democratic, unified South Sudan will continue to have a steady partner in the United States of America," he concluded. Some 10,000 people were killed during five weeks of fighting in the world's youngest nation.