U.S. envoy pushes for Sudan ceasefire, aid access
November 20, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – U.S. envoy Tom Perriello pressed Sudan’s army chief to implement an immediate ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid access during a rare visit to the country two days ago, diplomatic sources told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
On Monday, Perriello met with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, in Port Sudan. He urged al-Burhan to agree to a truce to allow aid to reach areas hit by famine and medicine shortages, the sources said.
According to the sources, Al-Burhan did not immediately agree to the visiting US envoy’s request, saying he needed to consult with military leaders.
The sources said the meeting focused on the humanitarian crisis and the need to end fighting, adding that broader political issues were not discussed.
On December 19th, Al-Burhan stated that Sudan would not participate in peace talks or agree to a ceasefire with the paramilitary forces until several conditions were met. He insisted on the group’s complete withdrawal from all occupied territories, their assembly at designated cantonment sites, the reopening of all roads, and the lifting of the siege on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State.
The head of the Sovereign Council asserted that the RSF had exploited previous ceasefire agreements in the Jeddah negotiations to mass troops and besiege cities.
During his visit on November 18, Perriello met with government officials and civil society leaders before departing for Djibouti for talks with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The U.S. envoy is expected to travel to Rome next to meet with Italian officials and United Nations representatives.