KHARTOUM: Sudan’s warring generals have agreed to send representatives for talks, potentially in Saudi Arabia, according to the United Nations’ top official in the country, even as the two sides clashed in Khartoum despite another three-day extension of a fragile truce.
The negotiations would initially focus on establishing a “reliable and stable” ceasefire monitored by “national and international” observers, said Volker Perthes, the UN envoy to Sudan.
A string of temporary ceasefires over the past week has de-escalated fighting in some areas, while in others, fierce fightings have continued to drive civilians flee from their homes and push the country into a humanitarian crisis.
According to Volker Perthes, the United Nations’ top official in the country, negotiations would initially focus on establishing a “reliable and stable” ceasefire monitored by “national and international” observers.
However, the logistics for talks are still being worked out, with only the military announcing its preparedness to join negotiations. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have yet to make a public statement. Despite a 72-hour extension of a fragile ceasefire, explosions and gunfire were heard in parts of Khartoum and Omdurman on Monday.
Talks between Sudan’s warring sides likely in Saudi Arabia
Negotiations may take place between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, as talks are being worked out. The military has announced its readiness to join the negotiations, but there has been no public response from the Rapid Support Forces.
This would be a significant step towards resolving the crisis that began on April 15, which has resulted in the deaths of over 530 people, including civilians and combatants, with a further 4,500 injured. Despite a nominal cease-fire over the past week, explosions and gunfire were reported in Khartoum and Omdurman on Monday.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have been leading international efforts to stop the fighting and encourage negotiations, but implementing a cease-fire has proven to be challenging due to a lack of trust between the two sides.
Talks to strengthen the cease-fire could take place in either Saudi Arabia or South Sudan, but logistical challenges and a lack of trust between the parties remain. The ongoing conflict has caused tens of thousands of Sudanese to flee, and there are concerns that it could escalate and draw in other armed groups and political forces.
The United States conducted its first evacuation of American civilians from Sudan. The United States (US) and Saudi Arabia have been leading an international effort to get the generals to stop fighting and engage in deeper negotiations to resolve the crisis.
