On paper, the agreement -- mediated by the East African Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) -- ends the conflict that has beset South Sudan since December 2013 when the ruling party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) split violently and fighting spread across the country. However, the eleventh hour pressure that forced Kiir to sign underlines the deep mistrust between the warring parties, pointing towards an imperilled implementation period.
The continued risk of violence will prevent the 1.5 million internally displaced civilians from returning to their homes.
The 730,000 people that have fled to neighbouring countries will also stay put for the foreseeable future.
The tens of thousands of civilian deaths, including targeted massacres by government and rebel forces, will impede reconciliation.
