On Sunday, the commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), held extensive discussions over the phone with Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, regarding the current crisis in Sudan.
During the phone call, Hemedti praised the concerted efforts of Saudi and the US to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
He reassured the Saudi Foreign Minister of the Rapid Support Forces’ unwavering support for the Jeddah-brokered truce and their firm commitment to protecting civilians and continuing to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The Sudanese military commander also shared his perspective on recent developments in the country, emphasizing the necessity of increased coordination and intensified joint efforts to ensure stability in Sudan.
The Rapid Support Forces welcomed the joint statement issued by mediators earlier today, which announced the continuation of indirect negotiations with the Sudanese Army. He expressed gratitude towards Saudi Arabia for their significant support extended to Sudan.
Despite the ongoing suspension of talks between the two parties, the Rapid Support Forces urged for a renewal of the ceasefire agreement, and for it to be effectively implemented with the objective of a permanent halt to military operations.
Last Wednesday, the Sudanese army announced the suspension of its participation in talks with the Rapid Support Forces in the Saudi city of Jeddah, accusing the Rapid Support Forces of violating the ceasefire agreement terms. Despite the cease-fire agreement that was mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia, effective for a week from Monday, May 22, the atmosphere remains tense with ongoing sporadic clashes.
Wide-scale and violent clashes have been ongoing since April 15 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in various regions of Sudan, with most incidents concentrated in the capital, Khartoum. These clashes have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. However, there is no official tally of military casualties from both sides of the military conflict.
