South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the current chairperson of the African Union, on Sunday welcomed the permanent ceasefire signed by Libya's rival factions.

Ramaphosa reiterated the importance of respecting the agreement as the North African country continues its search for lasting peace.

Libya has been dogged by conflict since the 2011 ouster and killing of former long-serving leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Gaddafi's death created a vacuum that various factions sought to fill, causing years of unrest.

Ramaphosa hailed the ceasefire as a step in line with the AU theme of silencing guns in Africa, and called upon the international community to respect the United Nations arms embargo.

"We congratulate all signatories for agreeing to this groundbreaking permanent ceasefire agreement," said Ramaphosa.

"The signing of this agreement is an important step towards Silencing the Guns in Africa. We further support the appeal by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for all stakeholders, regional and international actors to respect the provisions of the cease-fire agreement and ensure its implementation without delay in order to bring an end to this conflict. This includes ensuring the full and unconditional respect of the UN Security Council arms embargo".

Ramaphosa also pledged the AU's support in Libya's quest for lasting peace.