The IGAD mediation team says it will need over $50 million to continue the peace process.

The money is needed to continue the negotiation process over the next 12 months.

IGAD has so far spent $17.4 million since it started mediating the South Sudan Peace dialogue in Addis Ababa in January.

“We have prepared a one-year budget for the cessation of hostilities –running from August this year to August next year -to a tune of 35 million U.S dollars,” said is Mahboub Maalim, IGAD Peace Process Coordinator.

“And for the political dialogue component, we are preparing a mediation process strategy that will inform the budget.

Mr Maalim also spoke about funds for humanitarian work raised at the Oslo Conference. He said the money will be used in coordination with the government of South Sudan.

“We’ve agreed that this money will be operated through a combination of a committee comprising of IGAD, the government of South Sudan, the UN and other actors so that we are sure we can continuously engage to unblock any humanitarian issue that may arise as a result.”

Mahboub Maalim said the government of Denmark has offered to mobilize more resources for the IGAD’s peace efforts in South Sudan.

On Tuesday, President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar agreed to establish a transitional government of National Unity within 60 days.

The two leaders also agreed to an inclusive political dialogue that is expected to resume soon.