Juba calls for “comprehensive” approach to end Sudan conflict
July 11, 2023 (JUBA) – There is need for a comprehensive approach to resolve the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan, a government official said Tuesday.
Speaking on the state-owned television (SSBC), the acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister, Deng Dau Malek reiterated President Salva Kiir’s commitment towards finding a lasting solution to the situation in Sudan.
The official specifically highlighted President Kiir’s collaboration with regional leaders to consolidate efforts aimed at ending the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
“The attention of the whole region is focused on the situation in Sudan because it is becoming a major concern,” he explained, amid widespread concerns that the worsening humanitarian and security situation is likely to result into a catastrophe.
Clashes since April 15 between forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed nearly 3,000 people. Another 2.2 million, according to the United Nations, have been forced from their homes inside the country with almost 645,000 fleeing across borders for their safety.
Separately, the senior presidential advisor on special programs, Benjamin Bol Mel stressed that the situation in neighbouring Sudan should not further deteriorate.
“The time is now, and the people of Sudan are depending on us to help them on their journey towards lasting peace,” he said during the inaugural meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Quartet group of countries convened to discuss resolving the situation in the Republic of Sudan on Monday.
The Quartet meeting, held in Addis Ababa on July 10, focused on discussing the implementation modalities of the IGAD roadmap for peace in war-torn Sudan.
It was also attended by Kenya’s President William Ruto, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
The Sudanese military leadership earlier opposed Kenya’s role as chair of the Quartet group, citing their relations with the paramilitary leadership. However, the Quartet affirmed its commitment to ongoing efforts to halt fighting in Sudan.
“The IGAD Quartet group of countries notes the regrettable absence of the delegation of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in spite of the invitation and confirmation of attendance,” partly reads a communique released on Monday.
The Quartet also resolved to request the East Africa Standby Force (EASF) summit to consider deploying troops to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.
The communique expressed appreciation for the African Union’s collaboration with the IGAD Quartet and acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, regional and international partners such as the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who share a common commitment to peace in Sudan.
Regional leaders further expressed deep concerns about the devastating impact of the war in Sudan, resulting in thousands of casualties and the displacement of nearly 3 million people, including 2.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and approximately 615,000 refugees who have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Up to 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid and protection, the UN says.
(ST)