Mediators propose ceasefire monitors deployment in Sudan
June 6, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Diplomatic sources have revealed a proposal by Saudi-American mediators to deploy monitoring teams on the ground in Sudan to ensure the implementation of the Jeddah humanitarian declaration.
This disclosure comes as mediators stated on June 4 that they are continuing consultations with the warring parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians and to reach an agreement on the necessary steps before the resumption of the Jeddah talks.
According to Sudanese diplomats, Saudi-U.S. mediation has been trying to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table this week.
The army suspended its participation on May 31 to protest against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) failure to withdraw from essential service facilities and residential areas.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Sovereign Council announced that Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan had a phone call with the Council chair and the Sudanese army commander-in-chief, Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
On June 4, Farhan discussed the ceasefire process with the RSF leader, who reiterated his total commitment to the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
An RSF official told Sudan Tribune that their delegation assured the mediators on Monday that they do not object to resuming negotiations and deploying monitoring teams on the ground. However, the official claimed that the army had suspended its participation in the talks due to the mediators’ proposal to deploy monitors and identify the geographical positions of the warring parties.
Contrary to this claim, diplomatic sources have affirmed that suspending participation in the negotiating rounds has nothing to do with deploying monitoring teams in Khartoum.
The sources have stated that the suspension is based on clear and objective reasons, including the violations committed by the RSF forces, such as occupying essential facilities and civilian homes, setting up random checkpoints, and engaging in neighbourhood looting and theft operations.
“The withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces from residential areas, civilian homes, and hospitals is non-negotiable,” the source stressed.
Under the Jeddah Declaration, both parties have committed themselves to protecting civilians and aid workers, which includes allowing safe passage for civilians to voluntarily leave areas of active hostilities in the direction of their choice.
(ST)