The consultation process between the East African regional bloc IGAD and South Sudan parties is underway in Addis Ababa.

The regional bloc had invited key representatives of each of the South Sudan parties to go for focused consultations in Addis Ababa.

It decided to intensify its engagement with the parties with a view to identifying possible options for unlocking the stalemate during the next peace talks.

Multiple sources in Addis Ababa told Radio Tamazuj today morning that consultations on contentious issues related to the formation of a transitional government and security arrangements were going on well in Addis Ababa.

They noted chances of having hope for positive progress are there and that the IGAD Council of Ministers is trying its best to narrow the gaps between the South Sudan parties before the next peace forum kicks off on May 17.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged the IGAD Council of Ministers to double its efforts for lobbying the parties to make effective compromises.

He pointed out that the people of South Sudan have been subjected to all forms of suffering due to the ongoing conflict.

The consultation phase is expected to conclude on Saturday.