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President Kiir (left) and Mr Machar signed the deal at talks in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa

 

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and rebel commander Riek Machar have signed a deal, committing to end a conflict that has devastated the country.

The agreement - signed at talks in Ethiopia - envisages the end of fighting by 5 March.

In the meantime, consultations will continue on the contentious issue of a future government and power-sharing.

The conflict - which erupted in December 2013 - has caused about 1.5 million people to be displaced.

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Many people are taking refuge in UN compounds in South Sudan

 

The clashes followed a decision by Mr Kiir to dismisses the entire cabinet and Vice-President Riek Machar in a power struggle.

The president accused Mr Machar of plotting a coup.

Mr Machar denied the allegation, but then raised a rebel force to fight government troops.

Mr Kiir has led South Sudan, the world's newest state, since its independence from Sudan in 2011.

Source http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31087242