South Sudan crisis: African Union chief Mahmoud sends mediation team

The African Union says it is sending a ‘‘high-level delegation’’ to South Sudan as part of efforts to resolving the lingering political crisis in the country.

This comes after the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf held talks with the South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir amid escalating tensions in the country.

‘‘Expressing solidarity with the government and people of South Sudan, the Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace,’’ the African Union said in a statement on Monday.