JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, expressed hope that the talks between the warring parties in Sudan, being held in Jeddah, would ultimately bring an end to the conflict.
The Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began direct talks on Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as announced in a joint statement by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Prince Faisal welcomed the presence of representatives from both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Jeddah, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving the conflict.
He stated, “We hope that these talks will lead to the end of the conflict and the return of stability and security to Sudan.”
The foreign minister highlighted that the dialogue was a result of international collaboration and the dedicated efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other partners involved in the tripartite mechanism and Quartet countries.
The joint statement issued by Washington and Riyadh urged both warring parties to actively engage in talks aimed at achieving a cease-fire and bringing an end to the conflict.
Furthermore, they called for sustained and coordinated international support to facilitate a comprehensive negotiation process that includes engagement with all Sudanese parties.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the talks and urged the involved parties to approach the discussions seriously as a crucial step towards resolving the conflict.
Sudan conflict and casualties
The conflict, which broke out on April 15, involves two rival generals, army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan “Hemedti” Daglo. The violence has resulted in a death toll of over 550 people.
Gen. Daglo welcomed the joint statement by the United States and Saudi Arabia, initiating talks between the conflicting parties in Jeddah.
He appreciated the regional and international efforts aimed at establishing a ceasefire, creating humanitarian corridors, and providing essential services to the people of Sudan.
He also reaffirmed their commitment to democracy and the transition to a civilian-led government.
Daglo extended his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the United States for sponsoring this significant initiative and gave special thanks to the Saudi leadership for hosting the talks.
The talks in Jeddah are seen as a critical opportunity to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan, restore stability, and address the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded as a result.
The international community will closely monitor the progress and outcomes of these discussions, as the hope for peace and a better future for Sudan remains at the forefront of these efforts.
