UN SECRETARY-GENERAL Ban Ki Moon revealed today that he has secured the agreement of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and former vice-president Riek Machar to meet for peace talks.

Mr Ban said that the two leaders of the country’s warring sides would travel to Ethiopia this week to parley.

Face-to-face talks would be the most significant political progress since fighting began in December.

Thousands of people have died in violence that is frequently ethnic in nature. 

More than 1.3 million people have fled their homes and aid workers fear that famine could break out if residents are unable to plant crops this month.

Mr Ban said: “The country’s leaders must close the wounds they have opened. They must support justice and accountability for the crimes committed and they must act to address the root causes of the conflict.”