More than sixty African non-governmental organizations have called on the African Union to support the national dialogue initiated by President Salva Kiir.

The groups include Pan African Lawyers Union, Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network, East African Civil Society organizations’ Forum, South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council, The Centre for Citizens’ Participation on the African Union, and West Africa Civil Society Institute, among others.

The African Union is currently holding its 28th ordinary summit in Addis Ababa. President Salva kiir is attending the meeting as well.

In a joint open letter addressed to AU days ago, the organizations called on the body to find a way forward to the South Sudan crisis.

They say national dialogue is a powerful tool and can help prevent or end further conflict in the country.

This, the groups say, if conducted in a credible, inclusive and participatory manner, would bring about national healing and reconciliation among the South Sudanese people.

They urged the AU to ensure it is conducted in an inclusive, credible, independent and impartial manner and that the process should be citizen-driven and open to full public participation.

Among other recommendations, the organizations say the peace project should have a clear mandate, structure, rules and procedures.

And that it should aim at addressing the root causes of the conflict in South Sudan.