South Sudanese civil society organizations expect to meet a delegation from the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) during their upcoming visit Juba this week.

IGAD is the East African regional organization mediating the peace talks in Addis Ababa to end the civil war in South Sudan and facilitate a political process for reform and constitutional development.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, the chairman of South Sudan Civil Society Alliance (SSCSA) Deng Athuai confirmed that the IGAD delegation will arrive on Thursday.

The visiting mediators will hold talks with the civil society on how to put an end to the current crisis in the country, according to the activist.

He also noted the delegation will meet with other stakeholders including women and youth groups as well as students, saying these groups will present proposals to the delegation on the peace process in the county.

According to the head of the civil society alliance, the only approach to resolving the current political turmoil is to make sure that a permanent cease fire is honoured by the two sides.  

He expressed optimism about the next round of talks in Ethiopia, which will focus on political issues.

Another delegation of the African Union Inquiry Commission is also visiting Juba. The AU high-level group also met recently with civil society groups.

In a statement, the commission said it would investigate human rights violations, underlying causes and other abuses committed during the mid December conflict.

The commission says it will recommend ways to ensure accountability, reconciliation and healing among all South Sudan communities to deter and prevent violations occurrence in the future.