The South Sudanese government and the opposition on Monday (May 5) signed an agreement on the facilitation of humanitarian efforts through the cessation of hostilities. The agreement was reached under the mediation of the regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) after the two sides resumed peace talks in Addis Ababa. The agreement was signed by Nhial Deng Nhial, head of the government delegation, and Gen. Taban Deng, delegation head of the SPLM/A in opposition, and both parties expressed commitment to it. On the occasion, Gen. Taban Deng noted that the agreement was a step towards reaching a lasting peace. The third session of Phase Two of the South Sudan peace talks resumed in Addis Ababa on April 28 with direct talks between the South Sudan Government and the SPLM-in-Opposition restarting. The focuses of the negotiations were the implementation of the January Cessation of Hostilities Agreement as well as details for a transitional government.