The Representative of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have signed a Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan during a pre-negotiation talk in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
According to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America who facilitated the talks, pleased to make the announcement in a statement released over the crisis that have been ongoing between the forces in Sudan.
Pre-negotiation talks started between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Jeddah on May 6th 2023 supporting the talks, includes Quad countries (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
With nearly three weeks of heavy fighting which resulted to hundreds of people killed and displaced nearly 450,000 civilians. Of that total, the International Organization for Migration said, more than 115,000 have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
This Declaration of Commitment recognizes the obligations of both sides under international humanitarian and human rights law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the emergency needs of civilians.
Also, to guide the conduct of the conflicting forces to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of essential services, the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and clinics, and the respectful burial of the dead.
Adding that due to this signing, the Jeddah Talks will focus on reaching agreement on an effective ceasefire of up to approximately ten days to facilitate these activities and security measures will include a U.S.- Saudi, international-supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
While in line with the step-by-step approach agreed by the parties, the Jeddah Talks will address proposed arrangements for subsequent talks – with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners on a permanent cessation of hostilities.
In consultation with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the facilitators look forward to discussions with Sudanese civilians, regional and international partners about participation in subsequent rounds of talks.
