Sudanese foreign minister denies imminent truce with RSF

July 21, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Foreign Minister Ali Sadiq has refuted reports suggesting an imminent cessation of hostilities agreement brokered by American and Saudi mediators between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Unconfirmed reports had emerged about a potential agreement following the resumption of talks in Jeddah between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF.

Speaking to the official news agency (SUNA) on Friday, Sadiq clarified that the reports regarding the possibility of a truce in Jeddah are “inaccurate and do not represent the current situation”.

“In reality, the indirect negotiations have not yet resumed in earnest, and any acceptance of a truce is contingent upon the rebels’ commitment to evacuating public facilities, vacating citizens’ homes, and ceasing activities such as looting, road blockades, and disruptions to people’s lives,” he said.

Following the outbreak of the war in Khartoum, RSF elements have been deployed in residential areas, where they forcibly evicted civilians from their homes, looted their belongings and vehicles, and targeted banks and markets.

While the RSF had previously agreed to withdraw troops from the neighbourhoods, they failed to fulfil this commitment.

Regarding the violations committed by his troops, the RSF leader acknowledged the issue and pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable. However, there has been no observable change on the ground as the looting continues unabated.

(ST)