The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) revealed on January 2 their intention to begin immediate and unconditional talks with the Sudanese army with a view to a ceasefire.
The RSF, together with the Taqadum civilian coalition, signed the Addis Ababa declaration and called on the army to do the same.
The act of signing the Addis Ababa Declaration constitutes the RSF’s most explicit commitment to the cessation of hostilities. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo alias Hemetti, the leader of the FSR, was willing to initial a similar document presented by the army.
This declaration includes commitments to the repatriation of millions of displaced people, the establishment of safe routes, and the inclusion of civilians in peace talks.
However, given the recent prominence of the RSF and accusations of crimes against humanity by the United States, the extent to which Dagalo has implemented these commitments remains unclear. Dagalo expressed apologies for the violations committed and promised to take action against malicious actors.
Sudan’s nine-month war, which has spawned the world’s largest displacement crisis, has inflicted significant damage on the country’s infrastructure, sparking fears of famine.
Despite attempts to resolve the conflict through negotiations facilitated by the United States and Saudi Arabia, no breakthrough has been achieved, and previous agreements to protect civilians have been neglected.
Although the RSF has announced the return of police and markets to areas it controls, reports indicate that soldiers have occupied and looted homes, detained and sometimes killed civilians.
It is unclear whether the army, which is hostile to Sudan’s pro-democracy movement and accuses it of aligning with the RSF, supports the statement. Taqadum coalition leader Abdalla Hamdok, the former prime minister ousted by the RSF and the Sudanese army in October 2021, expressed hope for a positive response from the army to their invitation.
Although FSR leader Hemetti and army chief Al-Burhan accepted IGAD’s invitation to a meeting, it has yet to take place, with Hemedti citing problems of his side.
The war, which originated in a dispute between the two forces that took power in 2019 after ousting Omar al-Bashir, revolves around their integration, a goal outlined in the new declaration.
Hamdok stressed the need for a unified army for peace in Sudan, saying that multiple armies are not viable.
2024-01-04 15:09:43
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