The governor of Wau, Andrea Mayar, says President Salva Kiir has approved his request to initiate a dialogue with the armed groups in the state.

In June, fighting broke out in Wau between the SPLA and armed men, leaving about 50 people dead, according to the UN.

It also resulted in a displacement of tens of thousands of people.

Governor Mayar told Eye Radio that the first phase of the talks will include an approach from religious leaders who will approach the armed men.

He said the state authorities will then form a committee to establish contact with the group.

“The leaders of the various churches and Muslims in the state will be going first to meet those rebels and then once they return from that mission, this is whereby we will be in position to form a committee which will be inclusive,” Mr Mayar said.

The exact cause of the fighting is unclear. However, a recent finding from a government-led investigation into the deadly fighting attributed the cause to “mistrust among soldiers”.