Chad’s president reiterates commitment to dialogue in Sudan
December 1, 2023 (DUBAI) – Amidst the ongoing armed conflict between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Chad’s President, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, has once again emphasized his unwavering commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“The declaration of support for dialogue between the warring parties in Sudan comes as an indirect response to a statement made on November 27 by the third-ranking general in the Sudanese army. Lt Gen Yasir Al-Atta alleged that Chad’s President is backing the paramilitary forces in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates
During a meeting with former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on the sidelines of COP 28 in Abu Dhabi, President Deby underscored Chad’s unwavering support for the Sudanese people and its unwavering commitment to regional stability.
“Chad has always advocated for dialogue between the parties to the conflict and supported the refugees,” he stated “We believe that dialogue is the only viable path to a lasting peace in Sudan,” he further stressed according to the Chadian presidency.
The meeting between President Deby and Prime Minister Hamdok comes as Sudan grapples with the aftermath of the April 2023 clashes between the SAF and the RSF. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, economic hardship, and a loss of hope for many Sudanese citizens.
In a report released on November 27 about the Sudanese refugees in Chad, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), said that 450,636 new refugees have been counted, an average of more than 60,000 per month, since the outbreak of the conflict.
Former Prime Minister Hamdok, according to the statement, expressed his gratitude to President Deby for providing shelter and support to Sudanese refugees fleeing the violence. “Chad’s generosity has been a lifeline for many of our people,” Hamdok remarked.
The discussions between Deby and Hamdok also extended to the broader need for regional cooperation to promote stability in the sub-region. The Chadian President reiterated his call for solidarity among neighbouring nations to build a peaceful future for Sudan and the entire region.
“Chad is committed to working with its neighbours to address the root causes of conflict and instability in our region,” Deby asserted. “We believe that regional cooperation is essential to achieving lasting peace and prosperity.”
Despite Chad’s involvement in the neighbouring states’ initiative to resolve the Sudanese conflict, the head of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, opted not to visit N’Djamena. Also, he refrained from participating in COP 28, which was held in Abu Dhabi.
(ST)