Juba: Ceasefire declared after fierce fighting

President Salva Kiir’s ceasefire order Monday evening raised hopes of an end to four days of deadly fighting between the army and ex-rebels.

“The president has reiterated his commitment to the continued implementation of the [peace] agreement in letter and spirit, and thus issues an order of cessation of hostilities with immediate effect,” Information Minister Michael Makuei said on state television at 6:00pm local time.

There was no immediate response from rebel leader turned Vice President Riek Machar whose forces have been battling Kiir’s soldiers on and off since Friday evening.