IGAD mediators have adjourned the forum on the peace talks for Sudan Sudan to this afternoon because the representatives of the government and the SPLM-in Opposition failed to turn up for the opening today.

The forum which is being attended by representatives of the civil society, church leaders, political parties and traditional leaders has been temporarily pushed to give time for members of the warring parties to turn up.

This morning, members of the civil society, church leaders, traditional leaders and the political parties arrived at the UN headquarters in Addis Ababa for the symposium.

Speaking to those in attendance during the opening prayer session, a representative of the Council of Churches of South Sudan, Bishop Enock Tombe urged the government and the SPLM-in Opposition to join the forum for all parties to discuss the crisis affecting the country.

“…..so that we may move forward, so that we may have peace again with justice and fairness in everything we do,” he said.

The Chairman of the forum on the South Sudan Peace Dialogue, Retired General Lazarus Sumbeiywo adjourned the opening session and urge the participants to encourage the 2 warring parties to attend in the afternoon.

“I want to say that, those who have contacts with their brothers – whether in the government or in the opposition – to please encourage them and move forward in joining us.”

This afternoon, the representatives of the African Union, UN, Troika and IGAD chief mediator will issue their opening remarks.

Up to 50 representatives from South Sudan will listen to presentations by various experts on the transitional governance arrangements and interim institutions, constitutional development and reform process.

The participants will also listen to presentations on the permanent security arrangements, reform of the security sector, and on justice, reconciliation and healing.

The forum is being held under the theme; “Towards Sustainable Peace in South Sudan.”