Sudan, SPLM-P humanitarian talks delayed for technical consultations

May 15, 2024 (JUBA) – Talks between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North) scheduled for Wednesday in Juba have been postponed. The delay aims to allow technical committees additional time for consultations and preparations.

The negotiations, brokered by South Sudan, aim to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to war-torn regions like South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The postponement follows an agreement between both sides on May 6th to begin these talks.

Sources familiar with the situation told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that the delay stems from the need for further technical discussions and the absence of a key government negotiator, Lieutenant General Shams al-Din Kabbashi. However, the sources expect negotiations to start within the next 24 hours.

Humanitarian talks pave the way for potential political negotiations

In a related development, Sudanese Defence Minister Yasir Ibrahim met with the SPLM-North delegation in Juba, representing the Two Areas (South Kordofan and Blue Nile).

In a press release, SPLM-North leader Al-Amir Hassan Abdel Hamid Al-Nour said the Minister outlined the government’s plan for delivering aid to the Two Areas and Abyei, the disputed border region. He added that the government proposed establishing secure humanitarian corridors, with a written proposal submitted to the mediators awaiting the SPLM-North’s response.

“The humanitarian talks might pave the way for political negotiations as the SPLM-North is open to discussions that address the root causes of the conflict,” said Ammar Amun, the SPLM-North secretary-general.

The upcoming negotiations are expected to address preventing future attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Kordofan, similar to the one in Dilling. Additionally, the recent clashes between the SPLM-North and the army, including their attempt to capture Kadugli, the South Kordofan capital, have reportedly subsided.