The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed to crucial steps aimed at enhancing humanitarian assistance and fostering confidence-building measures (CBMs). The announcement comes following recent talks in Jeddah, facilitated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with representation from the African Union, and the United States.
The primary objectives of the talks in Jeddah remain centered on facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, establishing ceasefires, and implementing measures to build confidence, with the ultimate goal of achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Underlining their obligations as outlined in the May 11, 2023, Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, both the SAF and RSF have pledged to:
- Participate in a collaborative humanitarian forum led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, aimed at resolving obstacles hindering humanitarian access and aid deliveries.
- Identify points of contact to facilitate the movement of humanitarian personnel and assistance.
- Implement confidence-building measures, including establishing communication channels between SAF and RSF leaders, apprehending prison escapees and fugitives, improving official media discourse to reduce inflammatory rhetoric, and addressing warmongers and pro-war elements. These measures will be executed simultaneously.
In addition to these joint commitments, the parties have also made individual commitments concerning the facilitation of humanitarian access, as documented separately by the SAF (in English and Arabic) and RSF (in English and Arabic).
These collective and individual commitments represent significant progress toward improving humanitarian access and alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. The responsibility now lies with the SAF and RSF to fully execute these commitments.
Unfortunately, the parties were unable to reach an agreement on the implementation of a ceasefire during this initial round of talks. Emphasizing that there is no viable military solution to the conflict, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IGAD, representing the African Union, and the United States strongly urge the SAF and RSF to prioritize the well-being of the Sudanese people, cease hostilities, and seek a negotiated resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Source: Today News Africa
