The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional body of eight east African states, launched the multi-stakeholder peace talks here Thursday to discuss the year-long conflict in South Sudan.
IGAD has been mediating the peace process of South Sudan since the conflict erupted a year ago in the world's newest country, according to Xinhua.
Fighting still continues in the country though the warring parties reached agreements for cessation of hostilities (CoH) and commitments for its implementation.
The IGAD-led mediation efforts have brought tangible results including among others the signing of the cessation of hostilities (CoH) agreement by the two warring parties, and the commitment of the two principals to work together to find a political settlement to the conflict, said Tewolde Maskal, IGAD Official, in his opening statement made on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim.
