Government shows flexibility in Sudan aid delivery talks
May 18, 2024 (PORT SUDAN/JUBA) – Lt Gen Shams Al-Din Kabashi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, emphasized the government’s flexibility regarding its position on the delivery of humanitarian aid in the Two Areas.
The government and the SPLM-N, led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, disagree on the scope of humanitarian aid delivery. The government proposes focusing on South and West Kordofan and the Blue Nile region. The SPLM-N, however, insists on an agreement ensuring a nationwide aid effort without discrimination.
On Saturday, Kabashi has expressed flexibility in ongoing Juba negotiations with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) regarding its proposal for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery.
Kabashi confirmed that the Sudanese government’s proposal “is flexible and open to discussion. The aim is to reach an agreement with the SPLM-N to end the suffering of citizens affected by the ongoing war in areas controlled by both parties,” he stated, according to the Sovereign Council.
A meeting between the two parties, facilitated by South Sudanese mediators, is scheduled for Sunday at noon. At this meeting, both parties will formally respond to the proposals on the table.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed to Sudan Tribune that the two parties failed to reach an agreement on Saturday, leading to an adjournment of the session for further consultation.
Sources indicate that the government is open to extending aid to other regions under certain conditions, including guarantees for the safety of aid workers and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms.
The outcome of Sunday’s meeting will be crucial in determining the path forward for the negotiations and the potential for a humanitarian breakthrough in the ongoing conflict.
(ST)