A team from the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) arrived in South Sudan’s capital Juba on Sunday afternoon to carry out consultations with the unity government on the peace process.

The regional bloc last week adjourned the peace talks to 17-21 May, saying there was a need for more time to allow continuation of shuttle diplomacy meetings with the South Sudan parties.

The regional body said that there still exist wide gaps between the different groups that need to be narrowed before the next round of negotiations kicks off.

In a press statement upon arrival in Juba, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Hirut Zemene said: “We are very happy to be here in Juba this afternoon. I and my colleague from Sudan, because the other colleagues from Kenya and Somalia have already arrived, all state ministers.”

Zemene said the IGAD team’s visit aims at continuing shuttle diplomacy meetings, saying they would meet the government on the peace talks in South Sudan on May 17.

“So we are very much eager and we look forward to have this very important consultation in Juba,” she said.

For his part, John Andruga, director of international organizations at South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said his government is ready for peace consultations.

“It is in our interest that this conflict comes to an end.it is in our interest that all efforts are made to narrow the gap between the opposition and the government,” he said.

The South Sudanese diplomat said his government is committed for establishment of an inclusive government and realistic timeframe for free and fair elections.