Sudan-U.S. talks postponed over delegation composition
August 21, 2024 (CAIRO) – Consultations meeting between Sudan and the United States on implementing the Jeddah Agreement have been postponed, following divergence over the composition of the Sudanese delegation.
The talks, scheduled for Wednesday in Cairo and mediated by Egypt, were intended to discuss the implementation of the Jeddah Agreement, a humanitarian ceasefire deal signed in May 2023 aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan.
However, disagreements arose over the inclusion of members from Sudan’s military intelligence and Darfur armed movements in the Sudanese delegation. The U.S. and Egypt reportedly objected to the late additions, leading to the postponement, according to a Sudanese official who spoke to Sudan Tribune under the cover of anonymity.
U.S. envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, confirmed his departure from Cairo, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that he was returning to Switzerland to continue discussions on humanitarian aid delivery. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other officials during his visit.
The Sudanese government expressed its commitment to consultations and openness to peace initiatives but emphasized the need for prior coordination and transparency in scheduling such meetings.
The postponement comes amid ongoing talks in Geneva on the Sudan crisis, involving besides the U.S. the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese army is boycotting these talks as they reject Emirates’ participation.
Sovereign Council official clarification
In a statement released Wednesday, Sudan’s Sovereign Council reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue and engagement with the United States and Egypt. However, it noted that the planned Cairo meeting was postponed due to “circumstances related to the United States delegation.”
The Council stated it had formed a delegation to meet with U.S. officials in Cairo at the invitation of the U.S. and Egypt to discuss the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023.
“Two members of our delegation arrived in Cairo last Monday and remain there awaiting the rest of the delegation,” the statement said.
The Council emphasized that these consultations were separate from the ongoing talks in Geneva and aimed solely to clarify Sudan’s perspective on implementing the Jeddah Declaration.
The Sudanese government’s willingness to participate in these discussions underscores its openness to peace initiatives, the statement said.
“The Sudanese government remains committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the Sudanese people and is prepared for any future consultative rounds, provided they are coordinated in advance and not unilaterally imposed,” the statement concluded.