A team from the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is expected to arrive in Juba on Sunday to carry out behind the scene consultations on the outstanding issues, a top official said.

Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the IGAD delegation will come to Juba on Sunday for consultations with the South Sudanese government on the revitalization process.

Makuei, who is also the government spokesman, said his government will hold preparatory meetings on Saturday before the IGAD team arrives in Juba.

“All the ministers concerned are informed to get ready for a preparatory meeting likely to take place tomorrow (Saturday),” Makuei said.

The regional bloc's Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Thursday 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 bloc revealed that there still exist wide gaps between the different groups that need to be narrowed.