IGAD leaders meet with RSF leader to discuss path to peace in Sudan
January 18, 2024 (KAMPALA) – Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with the heads of state of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on the sidelines of the 42nd Extraordinary Meeting in Kampala on Thursday to discuss his vision for ending the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Dagalo’s attendance at the IGAD summit was initially in doubt after Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced his boycott of the meeting. However, IGAD leaders decided to meet with Dagalo separately to hear his perspective on the conflict.
In a statement following the meeting, Dagalo outlined his vision for a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Sudan, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of the conflict and build a foundation for a better future for the Sudanese people. He also reiterated his commitment to achieving security and stability in the country and alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Prior to meeting with Dagalo, the IGAD leaders issued a statement calling on the warring parties in Sudan to convene within two weeks to consider a cessation of hostilities and move towards a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
Dagalo also used his time in Kampala to meet with the UN Special Envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra and EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber.
In these meetings, he reaffirmed his readiness to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations aimed at addressing the root causes of the Sudanese crisis and bringing an end to the suffering of the Sudanese people, according to statements issued after the meetings.
(ST)