Sudan rival leaders accept unconditional ceasefire talk : South Sudanese official
On Sunday, June 18, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan announced that the rival leaders in the Sudan conflict have agreed to engage in unconditional ceasefire talks.
According to South Sudan’s presidential adviser, President Salva Kiir, due to his direct contacts and strong personal relationships with Sudanese leaders, has diligently advocated for an end to hostilities and peaceful dialogue in Sudan.
“The conflict in Sudan is not in the interest of anybody, and this is why President Kiir has been engaging with his Sudanese rivals to heed the calls from the region and the international community to cease hostilities and pave the way for peaceful negotiations,” said Tut Gatluak Manime.
Manime further revealed that President Kiir had a conversation with the chairman of the Sovereign Council in Sudan on Friday, during which they discussed plans “to handle the situation peacefully, bring an end to the military confrontation, facilitate access for humanitarian organizations to provide relief assistance, and ensure the stability of a unified and peaceful Sudan.”
He highlighted that President Kiir emphasized to Abdel Fattah al-Burhan the importance of the ceasefire to halt the destruction of lives and infrastructure.
Also, Kiir drew attention to the urgent need to improve the security situation, as many people in Khartoum are currently confined to their homes and unable to access essential services and basic needs.
In a meeting held on June 12, the IGAD heads of state and government decided to hold a face-to-face meeting between al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Focrs (RSF) leader, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, within ten days.
The meeting that the Quartet leaders would attend aims to establish a humanitarian corridor within two weeks and initiate an inclusive political process within three weeks.
But the military-led government rejected the Kenyan chairmanship of the IGAD mechanism to end the Sudanese conflict. This rejection may lead to paralysing the internationally backed regional initiative.
Nonetheless, Nairobi sticks to playing a prominent role in the Sudanese crisis.
Despite multiple declarations of a ceasefire by both sides, the fighting has persisted. However, in separate statements issued Saturday evening, the two rivals pledged to respect the ceasefire brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The warring parties observed the truce; no major violations were reported until Sunday evening.
(ST)