Sudanese army suspends ceasefire talks, accuses RSF of non-compliance
May 31, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army has suspended its participation in the ceasefire talks brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia, pointing to the failure of the paramilitary forces to implement the agreed-upon arrangements.
On May 20, the Sudanese belligerents signed a seven-day ceasefire agreement with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in Khartoum who were trapped and repairing damaged water and power services. The agreement also included provisions for the withdrawal of combatants from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who occupied civilian houses and residences in Khartoum.
A short statement released by the Sudanese army explained the decision to suspend the talks, stating, “The decision was made due to the rebel militia’s failure to meet any of the agreed-upon terms in the agreement and their continuous violations of the ceasefire.”
On May 29, the belligerents extended the ceasefire for an additional five days, providing humanitarian actors with more time to carry out their crucial work.
During this extended period, both parties have pledged to implement the provisions from the original ceasefire that were not fulfilled, which include providing supplementary humanitarian aid, restoring essential services, and removing armed individuals from hospitals.
In response to the suspension of talks, the RSF released a statement alleging that the army continued to violate the ceasefire, including daily airstrikes.
“As a result, the primary goal of the ceasefire, which is to address the dire humanitarian situation faced by the Sudanese people amidst the crisis, has been impeded,” said the paramilitary group.
Expressing concern over the serious ceasefire violations by both sides, the United States stated that it would only be willing to mediate a truce between Sudan’s warring parties when they demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding the ceasefire.
The State Department spokesperson, as reported by the AFP, said, “Once the forces demonstrate through their actions that they are truly committed to upholding the ceasefire, the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are prepared to resume facilitating the suspended discussions aimed at finding a negotiated solution to this conflict.”
“These violations have led us, as a facilitator of these talks, to seriously question whether the parties are willing to take the necessary actions to fulfil their obligations on behalf of the Sudanese people,” the spokesperson added.
(ST)