South Sudan Kiir, ex-PM Hamdok discuss efforts for peace in Sudan

December 8, 2023 (ABU DHABI) – On Friday, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok to discuss the ongoing conflict in Sudan and potential avenues for peace.

The meeting took place one day before the 41st Extraordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Sudan, scheduled for Saturday in Djibouti.

A statement released by the South Sudanese presidency noted that the meeting focused on exploring peaceful solutions to Sudan’s current crisis. Presidential Affairs Minister Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro elaborated, stating that the discussions centered on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Kiir has been actively engaged in efforts to end the Sudanese crisis, including meeting with various Sudanese political actors and discussing the situation with neighbouring country leaders. He is also a member of the IGAD quartet group tasked with brokering a peace process to halt the fighting and restore a civilian-led government.

Hamdok, who has been leading the pro-peace Democratic Forces Coordination since October, has also been actively mobilizing support for a peaceful resolution. He has held numerous meetings with international and regional parties, including a recent engagement with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Climate Conference on December 2.

The armed conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces has been raging since April 15, resulting in widespread casualties, displacement, and exacerbating already dire humanitarian conditions.

The upcoming IGAD summit in Djibouti is expected to bring together regional leaders to further discuss the escalating conflict and chart a path towards peace in Sudan.

(ST)