The Inter-governmental Authority on Development or IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan opened consultative meetings with stakeholders in Juba this week.
Ambassador Ismail Wais in a statement says the gathering was a preparation for activities leading to the eventual convening of the forum next month.
He adds that IGAD and stakeholders deliberate on a mapping exercise towards the realization of the debate for the implementation of the peace agreement signed in August 2015.
Ambassador Wais says the forum is to bring together parties to the agreement, other stakeholders and separated groups to discuss restoration of permanent ceasefire.
Forum is expected to develop a revised and realistic timeline and implementation schedule to a democratic election at the end of the transition period, he notes.