Authorities in Gbudue State have invited more than 60 members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for a consultative meeting to come up with some agendas of the national dialogue called for by President Kiir.

The civil society members said during the meeting in Yambio town on Tuesday that the SPLA should to be transformed into a national army instead of supporting tribal militias in the country, while emphasizing the need for a credible and inclusive national dialogue.  

The activists also asked the government to secure all borders to stop the proliferation of arms in the hands of citizens in South Sudan, adding that the issue of pastoralists should also be discussed during the dialogue.

Speaking at the consultative meeting, Rajab Mohandis, Executive Director for the South Sudanese National Democracy for Elections (SSuNDE), described the national dialogue has the only forum through which South Sudanese can come together to discuss national issues.

For his part, the Governor of Gbudue State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, appealed to the people of Gbudue State to transform themselves from the culture of war to the culture of peace.

He encouraged the civil society groups to advocate for peace in all parts of the state. The official urged the civil society organizations to work hand in hand with the state government to consolidate peace.