Civilian forces in Sudan seek inclusion in upcoming Burhan-Hemetti meeting

January 4, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) has called on the Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ismail Omar Guelleh, to ensure civilian participation in the upcoming meeting between the leaders of the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

This request comes as IGAD is facilitating direct talks between Sudanese Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, “Hemeti,” which were originally scheduled for late December but were postponed.

Saleh Ammar, a spokesman for the Civil Forces Alliance in Eastern Sudan and a member of the Tagadum delegation that met with Djiboutian President Guelleh, stated that the demand for civilian participation was a key topic of discussion during the meeting.

Ammar further indicated that all IGAD member states support the inclusion of civilians in all stages of the political process.

The Addis Ababa Declaration, issued on Tuesday, also emphasized the necessity of involving the civilian alliance in the upcoming Djibouti meeting, between the leaders of the military and the paramilitary forces, in all arrangements for ending the war, including the upcoming Burhan-Hemetti meeting.

Regarding Tagadum’s request to meet with al-Burhan, Ammar confirmed that the army leadership has responded positively to their request, but has not provided a written response regarding the date and location of the meeting.

(ST)