South Sudan has offered to host a direct meeting between the leaders involved in the conflict in Sudan, aiming to put an end to months of ongoing fighting and facilitate a permanent resolution in collaboration with the leaders of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development).
The South Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister, Ramadan Mohamed Abdullah Goch, stated on Saturday to Sudan Tribune that President Salva Kiir has made considerable efforts to stop the war in Sudan following a regional summit of heads of states. He mentioned, “As a government, we are ready to facilitate a meeting between the warring Sudanese parties, just as we have done with other political groups.”
Goch emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid delivery and alleviate suffering. He added that President Kiir has consistently called for a halt to hostilities as the first step to stop bloodshed, end human rights violations, deliver aid, and protect civilians.
South Sudan’s stance is aligned with the priorities of the IGAD and other regional initiatives, highlighting the necessity of a ceasefire, opening humanitarian corridors, ending human rights violations, and facilitating the return of displaced persons.
Goch affirmed President Kiir’s support for a comprehensive political process led by civilians, which would determine Sudan’s future structure and governance, leading ultimately to a democratic transition and free elections.
Analysts and observers believe that a face-to-face meeting could expedite efforts towards a comprehensive Sudanese-owned dialogue aimed at achieving national consensus and a civilian-led transition.
The government of South Sudan continues to hold talks with various civil groups from political parties, former armed groups, and civil society organizations to explore ways to end the ongoing ten-month crisis in Sudan.
A delegation from the Democratic Bloc arrived in Juba in recent days to discuss ways to end the conflict, including groups from Darfur supporting the Sudanese army, a faction of the Democratic Unionist Party led by Jafar al-Mirghani, and tribal groups from Eastern Sudan.
Last week, President Kiir met with the “Progress” coalition of democratic civil forces led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
