Despite the delay and substantive reservations, South Sudan President Salva Kiir has become the last but most vital signatory to the peace proposal tabled by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Plus, consisting of regional and international actors.
It should be recalled that other recognised parties to the mediation have signed the deal before the deadline set in August 2015.
Despite resistance and enormous challenges that the agreement may be exposed to during the implementation stage, the conclusion of a deal itself is a significant step towards the achievement of peace in South Sudan.
And although the warring parties showed a lack of will during the talks, the peace deal is the best offer South Sudan can get.
All African and international actors remarkably and seamlessly supported the agreement. The credit goes to the tireless efforts and the firm but fair position taken by the IGAD mediation.