Formal talks contingent on Sudanese parties upholding ceasefire: mediators

June 11, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Formal talks could be held if the parties demonstrate their commitment to upholding their obligations under the Jeddah Declaration to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, said the facilitators on Sunday.

This announcement comes in a joint statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America in the wake of a 24-hour ceasefire that concluded on June 11, 2023.

The facilitators confirmed that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) effectively observed a 24-hour ceasefire. They added that the reduction in fighting enabled the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance and the implementation of confidence-building measures.

However, the facilitators expressed deep disappointment over the immediate resumption of intense violence after the ceasefire on June 11.

They reiterate their readiness to reconvene formal talks in Jeddah ” once the parties demonstrate their commitment to upholding their obligations under the Jeddah Declaration to Protect the Civilians of Sudan”.

The 24-hour ceasefire was the first exercise largely observed by the warring parties despite some violations in the first hours of Saturday.

However, the attacks resumed immediately after the end of the one-day ceasefire on Sunday. The Sudanese army deployed more infantry troops who arrived in Khartoum from other regions.

Witnesses verified that artillery shelling took place in Khartoum and Omdurman, along with clashes occurring on Air Street in southern Khartoum.

Additionally, loud explosions and clashes were reported in the city centre of Khartoum and the eastern part of the Nile city. The north of Omdurman also experienced artillery shelling.

Al-Jazeera reported a tragic toll, stating that at least ten civilians lost their lives and dozens were injured due to shelling in the Al-Azhari neighbourhood of Omdurman.

(ST)