Mediators Say Truce in South Sudan Is Near NAIROBI, Kenya - An end to the monthlong conflict in South Sudan appeared tantalizingly close on Thursday as mediators said the two sides would sign a temporary cease-fire before the end of the day. Previous claims that an agreement was close have proved untrue, as the government and rebels have been unable to find common ground on the release of prisoners. Both sides in the conflict have said that a cessation of hostilities would be a temporary measure that falls short of a formal peace agreement and that negotiations would have to continue. Analysts cautioned that even if a cease-fire were signed, it would only be the first step in bringing an end to the deadly conflict that has killed thousands and displaced more than half a million South Sudanese. "There will be a signing ceremony of agreements on cessation of hostilities and question of detainees between the South Sudanese parties," said a message sent out by mediators from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional group that has led the negotiations. Negotiators have spent weeks at the luxury Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, discussing a deal that could bring an end to the fighting. Ateny Wek Ateny, a presidential spokesman in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, declined to comment officially until after an agreement had been signed but said that he also expected it to happen on Thursday. The conflict began on Dec. 15 with a clash at a military barracks in Juba. President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former vice president, Riek Machar, of staging a coup attempt. Mr. Machar denied it and fled to the bush. Forces loyal to Mr. Machar, who was ousted as vice president in July, took up arms against the government. Fighting between the two sides quickly escalated and state capitals including Bor, Malakal and Bentiu have changed hands repeatedly, with heavy casualties for civilians as well as combatants.