SOUTH Sudan’s warring parties agreed a permanent ceasefire yesterday to take effect in 72 hours, after face-to-face talks between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar in Sudan.

The discussions followed their meeting last week in Ethiopia that was their first in nearly two years.

The new agreement calls for opening of corridors for humanitarian aid, release of prisoners and withdrawal of forces.

The African Union and east African regional bloc IGAD are asked to provide forces to oversee the ceasefire, after which the country will prepare for elections in three years.

Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said: “We’re very happy with this deal,” while opposition spokesman Mabior Garang acknowledged there was no guarantee the ceasefire will work.

“However, the involvement of the region is more serious now. We are cautiously optimistic,” he said.

The most recent ceasefire, which took effect last December, was in shreds within hours.