Sudanese political bloc says Jeddah Declaration must be basis for peace talks

July 21, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – A major Sudanese political coalition on Monday informed Saudi Arabia’s ambassador that a 2023 agreement signed in Jeddah must serve as the foundation for any new effort to end the country’s war, a spokesman for the group said.

The statement from the Forces for Freedom and Change – Democratic Bloc (FFC-DB) comes as the United States prepares to host talks in Washington with officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar and Britain to explore solutions to the conflict.

“The Jeddah Declaration (of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan) must be a reference and a basis for any security agreement due to its compatibility with international humanitarian law,” FFC-DB spokesman Mohamed Zakaria said in a statement after meeting with Saudi Ambassador Ali Hassan bin Jaafar.

During the meeting, the bloc’s leaders, including senior figure Minni Arko Minawi, presented their roadmap for achieving a comprehensive political solution in Sudan. The delegation commended Saudi Arabia’s role in peace efforts and expressed gratitude to the kingdom for its humanitarian support.

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. brokered the Jeddah Declaration in May 2023, a month after war began between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The agreement, which focused on protecting civilians and allowing aid access, was never implemented by either side.