TEMPO.CO, Addis Ababa - South Sudan's government and rebel fighters have agreed to negotiate ceasefire to end the conflict that has killed around 1,000 people and displaced 180,000. The peace negotiation is mediated by the East African Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

IGAD's chief, Tedros Adhanom, said negotiators from both sides have arrived yesterday afternoon in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. However, he feared for the fate of the negotiation as clashes are still occurring in the city of Bor, capital of the state of Jonglei.

Rebel fighters led by Riek Marchar, former vice president discharged by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir last July, tried to take over the city. Yesterday, South Sudan’s government said the oil-rich city has fallen to the hands of the rebels.

Philip Aguer, spokesman of the Sudan People's Liberation Army, said the forces that attacked Bor were a mix of defected soldiers, rebels and a militia known as "White Army", which comprises fighters from the Nuer tribe.

Both sides have agreed to negotiate after being pressured by neighboring countries and international community. "The United States will deny support and work to apply international pressure to any elements that use force to seize power," National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.

Political tension in South Sudan has intensified since last July when Kiir fired all cabinet members, including Machar. Kiir accused Machar of attempting a coup. The tension escalated to ethnic conflict between Dinka that supports Kiir and Nuer that supports Machar.

REUTERS | BUSINESS-STANDARD.COM | ABDUL MANAN