South Sudan has announced that it will resume pumping oil next month in areas where it was suspended in 2013 because of the civil war.

Production is expected to return to its normal average of 375,000 barrels per day in three years, with an anticipated 210,000 barrels by the end of this year.

South Sudan’s output currently stands at 130,000 barrels per day.

The areas where production is to resume are in Unity State.

The country's economy is heavily dependent on crude oil production and expects to meet these targets following the completion of maintenance work by the end of the year.

The move to increase production is part of a ceasefire agreement reached by President Salva Kiir, rebel leader Riek Machar and other armed groups to end years of civil war.

The conflict has led to the killing of tens of thousands and the displacement of many more.