Sudan’s rebel groups declare six-month unilateral cessation of hostilities
October 18, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) declared a six-month cessation of hostilities and expressed readiness to negotiate the details of this truce with the government ahead of peace talks.
“The objectives of the Cessation of Hostilities are to protect civilians, provide unhindered humanitarian access to war-affected populations, and create a conducive environment for the peace process and an inclusive National Constitutional Dialogue,” said the statement.
The rebel groups further called on the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to hold an immediate meeting with the Sudanese government to negotiate the implementation of this measure.
“The SRF further declares its continued willingness to sit with the Government of Sudan under the auspices of the AUHIP to negotiate the details of the cessation of hostilities, including plans for monitoring and verification,” says the declaration.
Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour on Sunday informed a donor delegation headed by a UN high level official that the government is ready to allow international aid groups to access South Kordofan and Blue Nile provided they don’t offer assistance to the rebels.
President al-Bashir recently reiterated his readiness to implement a six-month cessation of hostilities with the rebel groups.
The armed groups confirmed they will meet the AUHIP on 2 November to discuss truce and ways to hold a national dialogue preparatory meeting paving the way for their participation in the political process inside the country.
Washington, which is engaged in discussions with Khartoum over the normalization of bilateral relations, is pushing the two warring parties in Sudan to end war and allow humanitarian access to civilians in the rebel held areas.
The SRF groups said the cessation of hostilities will enter into force at 11:59pm (SLT) on October 19, 2015 and will extend for six months to 11:59pm (SLT) on April 19, 2016.
(ST)