IGAD says the next round of peace talks in Addis Ababa will involve the African Union Peace and Security Council.
Chief Mediator Seyoum Mesfin says the United Nations will join five African countries representing the five regions of the continent at the talks.
The United States, Britain, Norway and China will also be at the talks. But IGAD will still be in charge of the talks.
Ambassador Mesfin also says the warring parties have been playing one IGAD member country against the other.
He says this has been hindering the peace process.
“I would be open with the people of South Sudan, the nuances of differences within IGAD are not helping the South Sudanese achieve peace,” Amb Mesfin stated.
“I am not saying IGAD is responsible here. Responsibility squarely lies on the leadership of South Sudan.”
He says the ongoing South Sudan crisis is test to the region on collective security.
Amb Mesfin calls upon the member nations of the group to help in bringing peace to South Sudan.
“The mediation is calling upon the leaders of IGAD that collective or common regional interests must prevail upon individual national interests either in economy or security and so on. That is how the region can assist South Sudanese resolve their crisis.”
The next round of talks is expected to resume next month.