Sudan’s Ambassador to Juba, Osama Ahmed, has urged all warring parties in South Sudan to end hostilities and declare ceasefire ahead of the dialogue initiative called for by President Salva Kiir.

Speaking during a symposium organized by Al-Watan newspaper on Saturday, the Sudanese diplomat said the national dialogue needs to include all stakeholders. He further said the dialogue will definitely succeed if the warring parties decided to respect ceasefire in the country.

“There is need for a permanent ceasefire by all warring parties including the government, opposition, and other armed groups,” said Ahmed.

Ahmed also urged the South Sudanese government to provide a conducive environment for freedom of speech for the success of the national dialogue.

“The government must abolish all the laws that prevent freedoms. No one can come and speak in the national dialogue if there is no freedom of speech,” he said.

Photo: Sudan Ambassador to South Sudan, Osama Ahmed speaks during a symposium organized in Juba on Saturday April 1, 2017 (Radio Tamazuj)