Representatives from the Sudanese Army returned to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, to resume negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a re-engagement in diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing conflicts which have entered their fourth month.
These negotiations between the Sudanese factions were previously suspended by Saudi Arabia and the United States in early June due to multiple violations of the ceasefire. The discussions now underway in Jeddah signify a renewed attempt to achieve stability and peace in the region.
Alongside the Jeddah talks, Egypt launched a separate mediation initiative on Thursday which received a warm welcome from both the Sudanese Army, maintaining close ties with Cairo, and the Rapid Support Forces. This parallel approach suggests that regional powers are actively involved in helping to resolve the Sudanese conflict.
Previous ceasefire agreements have failed to end the fighting, which broke out in mid-April, due to power struggles between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. The re-attendance of the Sudanese Army representatives in the Jeddah negotiations highlights their commitment to diplomatic efforts to end the violence, a week after boycotting talks hosted in Addis Ababa.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry has voiced objections to the presidency of Kenyan President William Ruto heading a quadripartite committee stemming from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), accusing Nairobi of bias towards the Rapid Support Forces.
Before the suspension of the Jeddah negotiations, US mediators expressed their disappointment over the parties’ reluctance to work towards a genuine truce. The resumption of talks signals renewed hope for a resolution, with the international community keenly watching developments.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan underlines the complexity of power dynamics in the region. Achieving lasting peace requires not only the efforts of the conflicting parties but also the concerted intervention of regional and international powers. The resumed talks in Jeddah present an opportunity for constructive dialogue and may pave the way towards a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis.
