Sudan reiterates rejection of Kenyan mediation role
September 4, 2023 (JUBA) – Sudan has chosen South Sudan as the preferred mediator to end the conflict, rejecting a Kenyan chairmanship of the IGAD quartet group tasked with ending the armed conflict.
Upon arrival at Juba International on Monday as part of the delegation accompanying Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Ali al-Sadiq told reporters that they feel South Sudan was better placed to mediate the Sudanese conflict.
“We in Sudan feel that South Sudan is the best country to meditate the conflict in Sudan because we have been one country for so long, and we know each other.” “We know the problems, and we know our needs”, said Al-Sadiq
Al-Burhan was received on arrival by President Salva Kiir and members of his administration. He is expected to get into a meeting where he would discuss concerns and a wide range of issues with the president and members of his administration.
His visit to South Sudan is the second trip outside Sudan since the conflict erupted in Khartoum on 15 April. He was in Egypt last week and held talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in the Egyptian coastal city of el-Alamein.
Neither Kiir nor al Burhan spoke to the press upon arrival. South Sudan’s Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro, who spoke to the media on behalf of the government and President Kiir, welcomed the visit of the Sudanese military leader to the country, describing it as home to him to live and feel free to interact.
“Peace in Sudan means peace in South Sudan, and as you know, it is known that President Kiir is the only person who has intimacy and knowledge about Sudan and can find a solution to the Sudanese crisis, he explained. “President Kiir is better placed to meditate on the problems in Sudan and has a solution in his hands to resolve the conflict.”
Al-Burhan is accompanied by Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadel, the head of the General Intelligence Authority, and other senior military officers.
Fighting broke out in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on 15 April between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and has since spread to other parts of the country.
(ST)