Sudanese vice president returns home after taking part in South Sudan peace deal ceremony

Sudanese First Vice President Bakri Hassan Saleh returned home Wednesday after taking part in a ceremony of signing a peace deal in South Sudan, ending a 20-month conflict with rebels.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir signed the peace deal suggested by IGAD and endorsed by the African Union, a Sudanese diplomat said.

Kiir had earlier some reservations on the deal in Addis Ababa 10 days ago, but the signing meant his approval to all its terms, the diplomat added.

Saleh witnessed the ceremony along with the presidents of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

Rebel leader Riek Machar signed the deal last week but Mr Kiir refused. It is meant to end months of brutal civil war and will see Mr Machar return as vice-president.

Fighting between forces loyal to the two men over the last 20 months has forced more than 2.2 million people from their homes in the world's youngest state, which broke away from Sudan in 2011.
Source: MENA