Jeddah process is the most suitable platform for peace in Sudan, says Perriello
April 14, 2024 (PARIS) – – U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, reiterated his support for the Jeddah process as the most viable path towards a lasting peace agreement in Sudan.
Earlier this month, Perriello stated that talks between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) would resume after the end of Ramadan. However, it seems that no date has been determined yet.
In an interview with Sudan Tribune, he emphasized collaboration with influential regional actors to bring the warring parties together and end this conflict. “The Sudanese people demand peace,” Perriello stated. “We believe that the best platform for formal negotiations is for Saudi Arabia to host negotiations in Jeddah that is inclusive of key partners.”
Sudan’s Sovereign Council chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, echoed Perriello’s sentiment, favouring the Jeddah process but conditioning talks on the RSF withdrawing fighters from cities and gathering them in designated areas and of their merger with the army.
Perriello stressed that “The U.S. supports the resumption of negotiations at the Jeddah platform “as soon as possible. We are working with the various parties involved to finalize the date for the resumption of talks”.
He added that the U.S. administration is taking additional diplomatic steps to expedite the war’s end. “Our engagement aims to ensure that all parties are committed to participating in the talks, addressing any potential delays or obstructions proactively,” he explained.
Speaking in Washington on April 11th, Perriello acknowledged the urgency of resuming talks. He expressed hope for a forthcoming date announcement, potentially building momentum from recent gatherings in Paris.
Concerns about external support
The US diplomat expressed concern about the external support for the warring parties in Sudan. He said that ending such interference is critical to ensure a lasting peace in Sudan.
“We are concerned about reports that the UAE is providing material support for the RSF and have directly raised our concerns about this with Emirati officials, he said when asked about the United Arab Emirates. (UAE).
“We have made clear that provision of arms to either side by any country deepens and prolongs the conflict,” he underscored.
Speaking about the reports about the Iranian and Emirati support to the Sudanese army and the RSF, he said that these countries become complicit in the atrocities committed against the Sudanese.
“Any individual or country that continues to provide material support to either side bears responsibility for fuelling atrocities against the Sudanese people and the related desperate humanitarian situation in which starvations are increasing and likely to become only more widespread. Provision of weapons to the belligerent parties has to stop,” he stressed.
Despite the documented reports about the UAE’s support for the RSF, Emirati officials deny any implication in the conflict.
When asked about his plans to meet the military-led government in Sudan, Perriello said, “There is no specified plan for a visit to Port Sudan.”
“But such a visit would likely focus on emphasizing U.S. support for ending the conflict, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and restoring civilian governance”.
Also, he voiced U.S. support for a transition to civilian governance, with no role for the military in governing Sudan.
“We are ready to coordinate closely with international and regional partners in supporting inclusive Sudanese-owned and led civilian dialogues to address transitional and governance issues and resume Sudan’s democratic transition to a government that truly represents the people of Sudan,” he said.
(ST)