The Secretary-General expresses his profound disappointment following the unsuccessful conclusion of the IGAD-led peace talks and the failure of President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar to display statesmanship and reach an agreement on power-sharing arrangements.

Over the past two days, the Secretary-General has reached out to the parties and regional leaders and calls for the continuation of the negotiations. He strongly urges both parties to refrain from any attempt to escalate the conflict and reiterates that there can be no military solution or alternative to a negotiated settlement. He appreciates the efforts and vital role played by IGAD and its special envoys in bringing peace to South Sudan. He supports IGAD's intention to expand the mediation to include other partners.

The Secretary-General recalls the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2206 (2015), and the Council's intention to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities who fail to abide by the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of 23 January 2014.