Rival factions in Sudan war ready to end fighting, says minister
July 27, 2023 (JUBA) – The warring factions involved in Sudan’s conflict are ready for negotiations aimed at ending months of fighting, an official said.
“There are now clear indications that peace talks could take place. There are now efforts to consolidate coordinating mechanisms since the parties have indicated readiness to engage in the peaceful dialogue,” South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister, Deng Dau Malek told Sudan Tribune on Thursday.
He said talks will take place in the presence of credible mediators and guarantors.
Malek did not give additional comments when reached to provide an update on the efforts of President Salva Kiir in his capacity as one key contact in the region.
After the eruption of the armed conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese army leaders and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have failed to commit to a ceasefire, forcing over 3 million people to flee the capital and parts of the Darfur region.
The multiple regional and international initiatives and sanctions also did not persuade them to stop the war. Khartoum rejects some mediators, while some countries where the warring parties deposited their money did implement international punitive measures against them.
On Monday, however, a South Sudanese diplomat with direct knowledge of President Kiir’s role in the Sudanese conflict separately told Sudan Tribune that “signs of the possible truce between the two sides have started emerging.
The official said the Sudanese military had accepted calls from the region and international backers encouraging unconditional participation in peaceful talks.
According to the source, Kiir received phone call from the Chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan pledging readiness to engage in dialogue to cease hostilities and return the country to peace and stability.
“The president received a phone call from his Sudanese counterpart last week, and it was cordial. They discussed the situation in Sudan and how it can be handled. His Excellency expressed his sincere support because Sudan is in a very delicate situation that requires seriousness and compromise to avert not only collapse and destruction but fragmentation of Sudan into ethnic enclaves,” he said.
According to the presidential aide, Kiir advised al-Burhan “to put the country first and not be pulled back by the hardliners and open his doors for talks.”
The source, however, doubted the seriousness of the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary force to ceasefire and engage in a peaceful dialogue.
“But even if the white smoke appears, some allies and military figures with Gen Al-Burhan have maintained a hard-line stance. They are making demands,” he stressed.
The official further said the regional bloc (IGAD) Quartet group was still pushing for a face-to-face meeting between the main antagonists in the conflict, describing it as one of the approaches to ending the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
“If these leaders meet today and even have a cup of tea, it will drastically reduce violence in the country and enhance national cohesion and peaceful coexistence in Sudan. Their meeting will do Sudan justice, and they will become heroes of peace because the meeting will mean that they will have put the country first,” he stressed.
In June this year, the Joe Biden administration took measures to promote accountability for those involved in the conflict. The U.S implemented visa restrictions on SAF and RSF leadership as well as those affiliated with the former Bashir regime, sanctioned RSF-affiliated mining companies and companies supporting the SAF’s operations, and upgraded the business advisory for Sudan.
Since fighting broke out in Sudan in April, more than 3.3 million people have been displaced within the country and across borders. Prior to the crisis, however, Sudan was home to 1.1 million refugees from South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
(ST)