Ethiopia, South Sudan attempt dialogue to stymie conflict

South Sudan

South Sudanese wait for the arrival of President Salva Kiir at Juba International Airport.

Photo credit: File | Pool

South Sudan and Ethiopia have separately chosen highly anticipated national dialogue forums aimed at preventing recurrence of conflicts and focusing on national inclusion. But critics say participants are preselected to isolate rivals.

South Sudan, which hasn’t seen peace in 15 years of independence, is due to launch an inter-party dialogue in August aimed at bringing together political parties and hold-out groups ahead of the country’s planned December 2026 elections.