South Sudan has offered to host a mediation process between warring sides in Sudan to help restore peace in the country.

South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation James Pitia Morgan made the announcement in Juba on Monday, saying that President Salva Kiir has been approached by numerous political actors and groups in Sudan who believe he can play a constructive role in mediating the conflict.

“His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has played a positive and important role in the Sudanese conflict,” Morgan said. “The president and the Transitional Government of National Unity, all political parties, and the people of this country, the Republic of South Sudan, do not like what is happening in Sudan. They, the South Sudanese people, and his excellency the president and the government want peace and stability.”

Morgan stressed that South Sudan stands ready to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan. He also commended the efforts of non-armed Sudanese political groups who have called for a cease-fire in response to calls by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union.

President Kiir has accepted an invitation from the IGAD Secretariat to participate in an extraordinary summit scheduled to take place in Uganda on January 18, 2024. Morgan said this summit will provide an opportunity for regional leaders to hear from both sides of the conflict and discuss a plan for mediating the peace process.

Morgan also revealed that South Sudan has been actively engaged in urging IGAD member countries, the African Union, and the United Nations to mobilize an effective international coalition to support a comprehensive peacemaking agenda for Sudan.