South Sudan president ‘announces unilateral ceasefire’

The president of war-ravaged South Sudan has declared a unilateral ceasefire, reports Reuters news agency.

In a speech in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, President Salva Kiir also promised to release political prisoners, Reuters adds.

“I directed the prosecutor general to immediately review the cases of those who have committed crime against the state, commonly known as political prisoners, and ensure the necessary steps taken are taken to lead their release,” he is quoted as saying.

But there is no sign of a political deal with rebels, the news agency adds.