JUBA, South Sudan — South Sudan’s political tensions are rising ahead of a planned September 17 inter-party dialogue, with opposition groups pressing for broader participation and a neutral location for negotiations.

President Salva Kiir met representatives of political parties on September 9 as authorities prepare for the dialogue, which is expected to address the electoral process and political arrangements surrounding the December elections.

The planned talks could become an important test of political cooperation ahead of the December 22 elections.

Government officials say the dialogue is intended to build consensus among political groups and address outstanding issues that could affect the credibility of the electoral process.

However, some major opposition groups have rejected the proposed format. The United People’s Alliance, led by Pagan Amum, and the SPLM-IO delegation led by Oyet Nathaniel Pierino have called for an inclusive dialogue outside South Sudan in a neutral venue.

The disagreement highlights continuing concerns over political inclusion, trust and the conditions surrounding the upcoming elections.

For the government, bringing competing political groups into the same process could help reduce tensions and create greater confidence in the electoral preparations.

For opposition parties, however, the venue and composition of the dialogue are central to whether the process will be viewed as genuinely inclusive.

South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, making the coming weeks increasingly important for political negotiations.

The September meeting could therefore determine whether political actors move toward greater cooperation or remain divided over the electoral process.

The success of the dialogue may ultimately depend on whether the government and opposition can agree on a format that all major political stakeholders consider credible and inclusive.