South Sudan VP, Russian leader discuss conflict in Sudan
August 1, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan Vice President Taban Deng Gai and the Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the conflict in Sudan, where months of fighting has killed nearly 3,000 people and displaced millions.
The two leaders, a statement on state-owned television (SSBC) noted, specifically discussed Russia’s role in finding amicable and peaceful solutions to the conflict.
“His Excellency Taban Deng Gai, the Vice President and chairman of infrastructure development in the transitional government of the nation successfully participated in the Russia-Africa summit and held a number of sideline meetings with the world leaders during which he discussed with the leaders from different countries a number of important issues,” said the statement.
Gai attended the second Russia–Africa Summit held at St. Petersburg last week.
Less than 20 of Africa’s 54 heads of state or government attended the summit.
The South Sudanese Vice President Gai also held talks with the deputy chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, Malik Agar with whom they agreed to cooperate and coordinate efforts on different initiatives to bring peace in Sudan.
Agar led the Sudanese delegation that participated in the Russian-African event.
While speaking during the Russia-Africa summit, Agar renewed the Sudanese government’s welcome to the African initiatives aimed at resolving the existing conflict in his country, provided that stakeholders are involved in the process.
He also spoke about the initiatives of the African continent and its vision to solve internal conflicts through the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”
“This principle is worthy of respect, as this approach has succeeded in overcoming many difficulties,” said Agar.
He added, “The success of this principle requires, in the first place, the involvement of stakeholders and their consultation, and not excluding them, especially when they are concerned.”
The Deputy Chair of Sudan’s Sovereign Council further said the military-led Sudanese government welcomed all initiatives, especially regional ones, “provided that these initiatives take into account the sovereignty, unity and cohesion of the state and its existing institutions and non-interference in its internal affairs.”
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 a home to 1.1 million refugees from South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
(ST)