South Sudan Peace Process: President Kiir declares war over, residents celebrate peace accord

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02:42

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir says the five-year civil war is over. His declaration comes days after he signed a peace agreement with opposition groups in Khartoum. President Kiir was speaking after returning from Sudan. And as our correspondent Patrick Oyet reports, the capital Juba was a scene of celebrations.

PATRICK OYET JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN "Many in South Sudan are hoping that the country may be nearing an end to its five-year civil war.

A peace deal signed in Khartoum by President Salva Kiir and the opposition groups will lead to the formation of a unity government ahead of elections in three years. President Kiir says security agreements will avoid a return to war."

SALVA KIIR SOUTH SUDANESE PRESIDENT "This time, all opposition forces will be gathered in one place, they will be taught and later reintegrated into the national army, they will be taught well so that they become good soldiers"

South Sudanese in the capital are celebrating the signing of the peace deal, but many here are still suffering from the impact of the war. Many are urging politicians not to drag the country back to conflict.

KEVIN ANZOA STUDENT "Here we the students we are left alone, our parents went to other countries, they left us here, we are suffering, no proper teaching, even some teachers have gone to other countries as refugees."

ANTHONY KIDEGA BUSINESSMAN "I am tired of this war. I hope our politicians should bring peace, so that our business can go on well because for the past 3-4 years, business has not been well, for me, I'm dealing with money transfer and people are not transferring money."

BATUTI ZINORIKO JUBA RESIDENT "I am really happy for the day of today and I hope all those who have escaped the war are feeling the same because peace has come."

The parties are now expected to expedite consultation on details of the agreement. These will include where opposition forces should be based and where their non-lethal supplies would come from.

PATRICK OYET JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN "Agreement still also needs to be reached on the personalities to be appointed in the would-be unity government and funding has to be sourced for the implementation of the deal. Patrick Oyet, CGTN, Juba, South Sudan."