ADDIS ABABA
The African Union (AU) has called on South Sudan's rival forces to immediately announce a ceasefire on the occasion of Christmas holidays.
In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma urged an "immediate humanitarian truce for the Christmas season, as a sign of a commitment by all concerned to the well-being of the people of South Sudan."
She voiced deep concern over the escalation of the conflict in South Sudan, warning that the fighting could evolve into an all-out civil war.
Dlamini-Zuma also urged stakeholders in the fledging country, whether in the government or the opposition, to should their responsibility and halt the ongoing conflict before it turns into a civil war.
South Sudan has been rocked by violence since last Sunday when President Salva Kiir accused sacked vice-president Riek Machar of masterminding a coup.
Machar has, for his part, denied any involvement in the alleged coup attempt.
Forces loyal to the sacked vice-president are currently controlling the oil-rich Bentiu, the capital of Unity State.
Security conditions in Bor, capital of Jonglei State, a stronghold of Machar's Nuer tribe, also deteriorated significantly, with heavy fighting reported.
The violence has prompted an exodus of civilians from Bor, with thousands seeking shelter at a UN compound located on the city's outskirts.
In July, Kiir abruptly sacked Machar – along with the entire government – and drew up a special committee to investigate allegations of government corruption.
Last year, Kiir had sent a letter to 75 current and former government officials suspected of embezzling some $4 billion worth of state funds.
The Nuer tribe and Kiir's Dinka tribe represent South Sudan's two largest tribes. Together, they account for some 80 percent of the fledging country's total population of 11 million.
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