Saudi, U.S. mediators stress the need for humanitarian truce in Sudan
May 8, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that the Jeddah talks between the Sudanese warring parties aim for a humanitarian truce before seeking a permanent ceasefire agreement.
The Saudi-American brokered negotiations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces began Sunday, as fighting continued in the streets of Khartoum.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the two sides committed themselves at the start of the talks to agree on security measures to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The statement further underscored that the aim of the talks is to reach a cease-fire enabling the distribution of humanitarian aid and the restoration of basic services, in addition to setting a timetable for “expanded talks to reach a permanent cessation of hostilities”.
The Sudanese army has made it clear that the objective of the Jeddah talks is to establish a humanitarian truce, rather than to bring an end to the fighting with the rebel group.
As the indirect talks got underway, violent confrontations continued in the vicinity of the presidential palace in Khartoum during the fourth week of clashes.
Residents in the area observed columns of smoke rising and heard loud explosions.
Arab League
In a development related to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the Council of the League of Arab States held a ministerial-level meeting to discuss the situation and the Saudi-American initiative aimed at resolving the conflict.
The Council decided to create an Arab ministerial contact group consisting of representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the League.
The group’s mandate is to engage with the Sudanese parties, as well as relevant regional and international organizations, with the goal of achieving a settlement to the crisis.
The group will also work towards securing a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire further stressed the statement.
African role
However, the South African government issued a statement emphasizing the centrality of the African role in the resolution of the Sudanese conflict.
“South Africa reiterates the centrality of the African Union and IGAD in the pre-negotiation and subsequent talks to ensure long-lasting solutions to the challenges faced by Sudan,” read a statement released on Monday.
South Africa further praised the efforts of African leaders, including South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir stressing that this commitment is consistent with the African solutions to African problems principle.
The Saudi and U.S. mediators have involved the tripartite facilitation mechanism comprising the African Union, IGAD, and the UNITAMS.
Juba had proposed to host the talks but ultimately the parties opted for Jeddah for logistical reasons.”
(ST)