A workshop aimed at assessing the progress of IGAD-led peace talks in South Sudan has recommended changes of strategies at the negotiations table between the warring parties.

The workshop was attended by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) and Centre for Peace and Development at Juba University as well as diplomats under the auspices of USAID.

Dr. Luka Biong, Director at Centre for Peace and Development in Juba University, said the participants supported the IGAD mediation, but wanted amendments such as the inclusion of other countries in the peace process.

The IGAD-led peace talks have been on hold since March 6. IGAD special envoy Seyoum Mesfin has suggested the inclusion of more international parties to the peace talks.

CEPO leader Edmund Yakani decried lack of coordination between IGAD secretariat and heads of states, referring to contradicting statements by the IGAD secretariat and some head of states.

Yakani said that an IGAD mediator should be appointed with a full mandate. The civil society leader also criticized the extension of government’s term for three years instead of two.

“What is the need for extending the government’s term for three years, while the bill mentioned two years?” he asked. He urged the government to make its strategies public during the coming three years.