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AU vows sanctions on warring factions in South Sudan

31 January 2015 17:49 (UTC +04:00)

The AU Peace and Security Council said in a communique that sanctions will be imposed against those who continue to undermine the cessation of hostilities agreement and obstruct the political process.

AU said it will seek support of the UN Security Council in line with relevant provisions of the communique adopted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) 28th Extraordinary Summit.

IGAD, a regional bloc of east African nations, and the UN Security Council have also threatened sanctions on warring South Sudanese parties hindering the peace process.

Fighting broke out in South Sudan, the world's youngest country, in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of attempting a coup.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, driving 1. 5 million South Sudanese from their homes and leaving almost 5 million in dire need of humanitarian assistance.