JUBA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Thursday reiterated its support for inclusive dialogue among South Sudanese stakeholders to pave the way for general elections currently slated for December.
During a meeting in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, the visiting AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea Jakaya Kikwete said he reached a consensus with President Salva Kiir on the need to hold the polls within the scheduled timeline without further extensions
According to a statement issued after the meeting, Kikwete welcomed Kiir's assurances on holding dialogue and elections, adding that this was positive for both the region and the international community.
"This is the first time I am talking to all the stakeholders, getting briefings about the situation in the country, and getting advice on the specific issues and needs," Kikwete said.
South Sudan has postponed elections five times since the conflict broke out in December 2013.
The youngest nation was due to hold its first-ever elections in 2015, but they were postponed following the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
The meeting highlighted growing alignment between South Sudan and the AU on key political, legal, and transitional priorities as the country advances toward elections.
