Peace talks involving South Sudan’s government and opposition representatives begun in Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Thursday.
The talks are between the government and rebel opposition groups that were not part of an 2018 agreement that ended a five-year civil war.
Some of the goals set in the 2018 deal, including the formation of a unified security force, have not been met.
In an effort to guarantee transparent elections, the main opposition party had called for a fresh round of talks ahead of December’s elections.
Several African presidents attending the talks called for an end to the conflict in South Sudan, which has crippled the country’s economy for many years.
Leaders present include Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Namibia’s Nangolo Mbumba and Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic.
The host, Kenyan President William Ruto, said: “This initiative exemplifies the Pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’ initiative and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region, and the entire African continent.”
South Sudan’s president said he was hopeful that the mediation will have positive results ahead of the general elections.
“We hope that the opposition groups have a similar conviction and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when fully achieved, will bring everlasting stability and economic development in the region,” he said.