Sudan issues conditions for Egyptian-led peace conference
May 29, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined conditions for participating in a proposed intra-Sudanese dialogue conference in Cairo, which will include all the Sudanese political forces.
On Tuesday, Cairo announced its intention to host the conference. The goal is to achieve a Sudanese-led vision for peace, respecting Sudan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Regional and international partners are also expected to participate.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that successful peace efforts must recognize the existing, legitimate government in Sudan, preserve national institutions, and reject any attempts to weaken or undermine them, particularly the Sudanese army.
The ministry stressed the importance of representing the “silent majority” of the Sudanese people, who have suffered greatly due to the conflict, and highlighted the role of the Popular Resistance, a paramilitary group fighting alongside the army formed after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the Al-Jazirah State last December.
Deputy Army Commander Yasir Al-Atta has previously stated that the armed forces intend to initiate a new transitional period after the war, with the Popular Resistance as its pillar, excluding other political forces.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that Sudan will not accept the participation of any RSF sponsor states who continue to supply them with weapons, including neighbouring countries that facilitate weapon transfers from the UAE to Chad and then to Darfur.
It also opposes the participation of any regional or international organizations that have remained silent on condemning the RSF’s crimes or countries that have become bases for the militia’s political and propaganda activities.
Regarding the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists on Sudan’s membership in the African Union being reinstated and IGAD correcting its stance, which it sees as violating Sudan’s sovereignty before either organization can participate in the conference.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed confidence in Egypt’s leadership, stating that it is deeply concerned with Sudan’s security, peace, and stability and is well-positioned to foster consensus among Sudanese stakeholders to resolve the ongoing crisis.
(ST)