South Sudan's Kiir Due To Sign Peace Deal; 'Unity Government' For South Sudan

The conflict has caused widespread destruction Image: AFP

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir is due to sign a peace deal to end a civil war which has killed tens of thousands of people and left up to two million homeless in the world's youngest state. It is the same deal he refused to sign last week. The move comes amid a warning by the UN Security Council that it will impose an arms embargo and targeted sanctions on South Sudan from 1 September if Mr Kiir fails to endorse the agreement.

BBC report continues:

Regional leaders are travelling to South Sudan for the signing ceremony.

Rebel leader Riek Machar has already signed the deal. 

Over two million people have been displaced in the 20-month conflict. Image: Reuters

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir will enter into a government of national unity with rebel leader Riek Machar in terms of a peace deal due to be signed today, his spokesman said.

"We will implement the agreement if we sign it. If our president signs it today we will have to implement the agreement in letter and in spirit," Ateny Wek Ateny said.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir will sign the peace deal he previously snubbed in the capital Juba this morning, his spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said.

The signing will take place in front of regional leaders, including Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni.

The president would also be expressing his "reservations" about certain parts of the deal to those present, his spokesman said.