Observers and diplomats have confirmed that the success of the current efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis requires a comprehensive ceasefire, accompanied by a flight ban, and the establishment of an effective international and regional monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance.
Observers note the ambiguity surrounding the army’s stance on the Geneva negotiations that started last week, in addition to the failure to adhere to agreements and understandings reached in Jeddah and Manama last December and January, which could undermine any agreement if an effective international implementation and monitoring mechanism is not established.
UN expert Amin Ahmed, who has worked extensively in conflict zones, stated that the success of international efforts requires a clear agreement among the conflicting parties, followed by the initiation of bridges to deliver aid to the affected and the hungry. Ahmed explained to Sky News Arabia, “There must be a third party working to ensure the implementation of what is agreed upon according to fixed rules and specific timetables.”
Protecting Civilians
The issue of sending an international or regional mission to Sudan is seen by many as necessary in light of increasing humanitarian violations and the death of tens of thousands of civilians, with more than a quarter of the population of about 48 million displaced and over 25 million facing hunger and food insecurity.
Al-Hadi Idris, a former member of the Sovereignty Council and president of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front, emphasizes the importance of sending a mission to protect civilians, supported by the United Nations and the African Union, noting that protecting civilians and delivering aid are aspects that require a firm commitment from both sides of the conflict to cease hostilities and not obstruct humanitarian aid.
Idris tells Sky News Arabia that the worsening humanitarian conditions and the significant risks facing civilians in many parts of the country, especially in Al Fasher, require placing current efforts within a practical, binding executive framework for both parties, taking into account regional and local initiatives.
He adds, “We previously proposed the withdrawal of fighting forces from Al Fasher, where millions of its residents suffer from a severe crisis due to ongoing fighting there. Despite many changes in the field situation since we proposed the initiative, which includes launching a campaign to deliver humanitarian aid, the idea remains valid if accepted by the warring parties.”
Former Foreign Minister Ambassador Ibrahim Taha Ayoub does not rule out the possibility that the failure of the current round of negotiations could lead to the referral of the Sudanese file to the United Nations Security Council.
Ayoub tells Sky News Arabia, “I believe that efforts will continue despite the absence of the military delegation, in light of the humanitarian tragedies and famine that are devastating everyone, and then the whole matter may be referred to the United Nations Security Council for consideration of the next step.”
Ayoub points out that the American administration is seeking to solve the region’s problems before American voters head to the polls on November 5th, which makes it more keen on achieving a breakthrough in the Sudanese file during the current Geneva negotiations.
