By Mamer Abraham
Sudanese warring factions have failed to agree to a ceasefire but have recommitted to the provision of humanitarian access and confidence-building measures.
“The co-facilitators regret that the parties were unable to agree on ceasefire implementation arrangements during this first round. There is no acceptable military solution to this conflict,” a joint statement issued by the co-facilitators, read in part.
The recently concluded talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were co-facilitated by the Intergovernmental Government Authority on Development (IGAD), the United States, and Saudi Arabia.
In the joint statement, the facilitators said the parties have agreed to partake in the joint humanitarian forum geared towards the resolution of obstacles to humanitarian access and deliveries of assistance and facilitating the free movement of persons.
“The talks in Jeddah remain focused on a narrow set of objectives: to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, establish ceasefires and other confidence-building measures, and build towards a permanent cessation of hostilities,” the statement stated.
The parties also agreed to build confidence in the areas of opening communication channels, arresting prison escapees and fugitives, media discourse, and reducing inflammatory rhetoric, among others.
“These shared and individual commitments can represent important steps towards facilitating increased humanitarian access to help ease the suffering of the Sudanese people. It is now up to the SAF and RSF to fully implement their commitments,” the statement continued.
The facilitators (IGAD, Saudi Arabia, and the United States) urged the parties to strike a ceasefire and take into account negotiation as the only solution to resettle the conflict.
They further called upon the SAF and RSF to put the Sudanese people first, silence the guns, and seek a negotiated end to this needless war.
The conflict in Sudan began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sadly, the conflict has not yet ended, causing numerous people to be displaced and suffer as a result of this ongoing disaster.
The Sudanese government had been defying the mediation process headed by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto over accusations that Kenya was harboring Sudanese rebels.
The Sudanese warring parties instead admired President Salva Kiir Mayardit for mediating an end to the conflict in line with the Juba Peace Agreement.
Late last month, party signatory to the Juba Peace Agreement held a meeting with President Kiir and said South Sudan was the best choice to bring peace to Sudan.