The national dialogue committee decided to extend the process until October, South Sudan’s national dialogue co-chair said.

Launched in May 2017, the dialogue process was initially expected to wind up this month, but it was agreed recently to extend it until October.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Anglo Beda, co-chair of South Sudan’s national dialogue committee announced the extension of the national dialogue process for four months.

The elderly politicians explained that they decided to extend the process due to logistical challenges. He pointed out that regional congresses are expected to be held in early September.

Beda revealed that the national dialogue’s general conference will be held in October in the capital Juba, noting that the agenda of the national dialogue will be developed during the general conference after the dialogue’s subcommittees submit their final reports.

In December 2016, President Kiir, whose political differences with his former deputy Machar plunged South Sudan into a brutal conflict, called for national dialogue to end the ongoing civil war.