South Sudan signals potential restart of Sudan peace talks
April 2, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan hinted at a possible resumption of peace talks between warring factions in Sudan, citing progress in preparatory efforts.
On Tuesday, South Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goch, stated that diplomatic reports from the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) suggest a restart of talks after Ramadan.
“Progress has been made, but peace talks can’t happen overnight. All parties need to be engaged,” Goch said. “Based on diplomatic efforts by the AU, IGAD, and others, there are indications of a possible resumption.”
Goch did not provide details on the location or timing of the potential talks. He revealed collaboration between the Arab League, Saudi Arabia, the US, the UN, and regional bodies, who have consulted with Sudanese stakeholders and presented ceasefire proposals.
Speaking anonymously to Sudan Tribune, a second South Sudanese official indicated that preparations are complete and talks will commence once participants are chosen. Discussions will likely focus on outstanding issues from the previous round in Saudi Arabia, which ended without an agreement.
On March 26, U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello announced that his country is pushing for the resumption of peace talks in Sudan by April 18th.
Analysts, Sudanese sources, and diplomats observed that previous commitments – including reducing inflammatory rhetoric and facilitating humanitarian aid – went unheeded. The stalled talks were followed by renewed hostilities, with the Sudanese military regaining control of Omdurman and parts of Khartoum Bahri from the Rapid Support Forces. This has bolstered the military’s morale and potentially increased their reliance on military solutions, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The lack of progress has dashed hopes for resolving the conflict that has displaced over 9.5 million people within and beyond Sudan, devastated the economy, and fueled ethnic violence in Darfur.