Sudan rejects peace talks outside Jeddah process

February 8, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese government reiterated its commitment to negotiating the ongoing conflict solely through the Saudi-US-backed Jeddah platform, rejecting alternative venues like the UN-proposed talks in Switzerland.

On Thursday, Lt General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan chaired a joint meeting of the Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers. He briefed the meeting about the ongoing efforts to end the conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to a statement by the Sovereign Council.

Following the meeting, Information Minister and government spokesperson, Graham Abdel Gader, declared, “The Jeddah platform remains the sole forum for addressing the militia-imposed war.” He dismissed claims of negotiations elsewhere, including electronically, as “false and baseless.”

Abdel Gader further clarified that any engagements with regional or international actors must occur within the Jeddah framework.

These statements follow UN Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths’ announcement of an agreement with the Sudanese army commander-in-chief and RSF leader to discuss the implementation of the humanitarian aid delivery under the Jeddah Agreement, with talks to be held in Switzerland.

Separately, unconfirmed reports emerged regarding meetings in Manama, Bahrain, between representatives of the Sudanese army and the RSF. The veracity of these reports remains unverified by either party.

Sudan suspended its membership in the East African regional bloc, IGAD, and rejected its proposed ceasefire and political process negotiations.

(ST)