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African mediators trying to avert civil war in South Sudan say they have held "productive" talks with President Salva Kiir, the BBC reported.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom, who led the delegation, said consultations were continuing, but did not give details.

Clashes began a week ago when President Kiir accused his former deputy, Riek Machar, of a failed coup.

Hundreds of people have already died in fighting across the country.

Although Mr Kiir has said he is ready for dialogue, Mr Machar told French radio he was only ready to "negotiate his [Salva Kiir's] departure from power."

On Friday, President Kiir met foreign ministers from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda who had travelled to the capital Juba to mediate in the crisis.

He told them he agreed to "unconditional dialogue" to stop the violence.

"We had a very productive meeting with his Excellency President Salva Kiir and we will continue consultations," Mr Adhanom told reporters before returning to the talks.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said he was sending a special envoy, Donald Booth, to the country.

"Now is the time for South Sudan's leaders to rein in armed groups under their control, immediately cease attacks on civilians, and end the chain of retributive violence between different ethnic and political groups," said Mr Kerry.