DHAKA: South Sudan’s government has agreed to let in a new international protection force to try to save a peace deal.

Ethnic clashes last month left at least 300 people dead and threatened to revive a civil war that has killed tens of thousands.

A 12,000-strong UN mission in South Sudan was unable to prevent attacks.

The announcement was made by the East African regional body, Igad, and confirmed by South Sudan cabinet minister Dr Martin Elia Lomuro, reports the BBC.

President Salva Kiir had previously dismissed the idea of an additional force.

The proposal for a new unit in South Sudan was backed by the African Union and discussed at a meeting in Ethiopia of Igad - the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

But much of the details of the force remain unclear.

Igad sources have suggested a new force should have a more far-reaching mandate than the existing peacekeeping mission.

BDST: 1730 HRS, AUG 06, 2016
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