In a significant diplomatic development, Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s unannounced visit to Nairobi resulted in a groundbreaking agreement with Kenyan President William Ruto. The leaders have decided to convene an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit aimed at expediting the Jeddah process for a ceasefire in Sudan.
Shifting Diplomacy
The unexpected meeting in Nairobi signifies a notable shift in the Sudanese government’s position, which had previously rejected Kenyan involvement in resolving the conflict. Al-Burhan and Ruto, in a joint statement, acknowledged the sluggish progress of ceasefire negotiations in Jeddah and expressed the urgent need for action. This marks a pivotal moment as both leaders commit to collaborating on an IGAD Summit to hasten the cessation of hostilities in Sudan.
Diplomatic Initiatives for Peace
The proposed IGAD summit not only seeks to accelerate the Jeddah process for a ceasefire but also aims to establish a comprehensive framework for an all-inclusive Sudanese dialogue to address the political crisis within the country. Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi’s presence alongside al-Burhan during the visit underscores the significance of this diplomatic effort.
Challenges in the Ceasefire Negotiations
The Jeddah process, involving the IGAD, faced challenges in reaching a ceasefire agreement during the recent round of talks. Disagreements between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over force redeployment contributed to the impasse. While the army emphasizes the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from cities to protect civilians, the RSF refuses to relinquish control of urban areas.
Expanding IGAD’s Role
Al-Burhan’s visit to Nairobi signals a potential expansion of IGAD’s role in resolving the Sudan crisis. Recent developments reflect the IGAD quartet group’s call for a “structured approach” to peace negotiations and “all-inclusive consultations” with civilian actors. The quartet emphasizes collaboration between IGAD, the African Union, Sudan’s neighboring countries, and international support for a unified and inclusive platform.
Reactions and Optimism
Prominent member of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), Yasir Arman, welcomed the al-Burhan-Ruto meeting as “a step in the right direction.” He emphasized the importance of correcting past mistakes and consolidating perspectives from neighboring countries, particularly IGAD, aligning with various peace initiatives.
Source: BNN Breaking
