Peace between government and opposition forces in South Sudan “hangs in the balance,” but there is an overwhelming desire from people in the eastern African country for an end to the five-year long conflict there; that’s according to David Shearer, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan.

Some four million people have been forced to flee their homes since fighting broke out between the Government led by Salva Kiir and opposition forces loyal to the former Vice-President, Riek Machar.

South Sudan, one of the poorest countries in Africa, only gained its independence from its neighbour Sudan in 2011.

Speaking to UN News in New York, Mr. Shearer said that it was up to the country’s leaders to ensure the people’s desire for peace is fulfilled.

Daniel Dickinson spoke to Mr. Shearer and began by asking him for the latest on the revitalized peace deal which was agreed late last year.