UNSC urges political rivals in South Sudan to end hostilities

The Security Council emphasized its demand for South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his rival former Vice-President Riek Machar, and other political leaders to "demonstrate leadership" by immediately agreeing to a cessation of hostilities and commencing a broader dialogue. Council President Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan said in a statement to the press, late on Friday, that the Council also urged Machar, in particular, to move forward and agree to a cessation of hostilities without precondition, and requested President Kiir to release all political leaders currently detained in order to create an environment conducive to a successful dialogue.The Council reiterated its strong support for the mediation efforts led by the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), and welcomed the appointment of a mediation team chaired by Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin of Ethiopia, as a peaceful settlement is being sought to end the crisis in South Sudan.The Council demanded an "immediate end" to all human rights violations and abuses, stressed that those responsible will be held accountable, renewed its calls on all parties to protect civilians, including foreign nationals and UN personnel, provide humanitarian access, and secure economic infrastructure, including oil installations.It also "strongly discouraged external intervention" that could exacerbate the military and political tensions, it said in reference to the Sudan.The fighting, which killed over one thousand and injured scores more, erupted in the country on December 15th when government soldiers loyal to President Kiir, who belongs to the Dinka tribe, clashed with those loyal to Machar who belongs to the rival tribe Nuer, accusing the latter of staging an attempted coup because he was dismissed in July.