President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the importance of countries in Africa to maintain peace as instability in any country has the potential to disturb peace and development in the entire continent.

President Hichilema has further advised that utilisation of resources must not be towards waging war but development.

ZANIS reports that the Head of State was speaking this afternoon at the peace talks held at Kenya’s State House at the invitation of President William Ruto, bordering on restoring peace and security in Southern Sudan.

President Hichilema said he is confident that President Salvir Kiir and the opposition will put the interest of the people in South Sudan first.

“It is also our firm belief that countries in Africa and the world must focus more on exporting goods and services to each other as opposed to problems emanating from internal conflicts,” he said.

Mr Hichilema also noted that a peaceful and united Africa is cardinal for development, and called for peace and stability to prevail for national development in South Sudan.

And Kenyan President William Ruto noted that the step taken today marks a pivotal moment in resolving the peace and political instability in South Sudan.

Dr. Ruto also commended President Salvir Kiir for taking up a bold decision towards conflict resolution in his country.

Meanwhile, President Kiir expressed gratitude for the support rendered to him by embarking on peace negotiations for his country and hoped that his opponents and other stakeholders would embrace the move.