South Sudan hints Sudanese army, SPLM-N to resume humanitarian talks
June 19, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan on Wednesday hinted on the likely resumption of humanitarian talks between the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), raising hope areas affected by the conflict could access humanitarian assistance.
South Sudan’s presidential adviser on national security affairs, Tut Gatluak said the two parties have indicated readiness to resume negotiations on the ceasefire arrangements to provide access to humanitarian organizations.
“They have accepted in principle to resume negotiations”, he said.
Gatluak did not, however reveal the exact date when the talks would resume, but confirmed receiving communications indicating the acceptance of the two sides to resume talks.
“There have been correspondences at the high level to resume discussions. The secretariat is working on some documents to finalize logistical and administrative arrangements”, he explained.
Gatluak also expressed optimism that peace would return to Sudan through dialogue, not war.
“Sudan is now the focus of the region and because of this his excellency the president of the republic, General Salva Kiir Mayardit has been in constant contact with all the political organizations and key actors in Sudan. His Excellency the president has also contacted the regional and international community. He has been engaging in discussions and briefings of key players. These engagements are sending out positive messages and informing engagements with other players, especially those involved in the process”, explained Gatluak.
Last week, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Denis Francis pledged to double his effort to end the conflict in Sudan before it becomes a regional and global catastrophe.
“As President of the General Assembly, my door remains open to help build peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainability for all – here in the Republic of South Sudan, in the wider region, and including in neighboring Sudan where we are witnessing the unprecedented escalation of violence that must stop, now; and indeed, around the world, said Francis during a media conference in Juba.
South Sudan’s foreign affairs Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goc Ayuel said separately most of the foreign diplomats he meets on the situation in Sudan keenly listen to their views as the government of the Republic of Sudan and to proposals, and exchange views about how to end the conflict in Sudan.
“We are exerting efforts in facilitating negotiations and all the parties have always agreed in principle to end the war through dialogue. The region and the international community have not stopped engaging them and the ball is now in the court of the parties to the conflict in Sudan. The IGAD, Saudi- US-led, Egypt, the Arab leagues, the African union, united nations, and the gulf countries are also coordinating efforts with us so that the parties resume the talks”, he said.
(ST)