Sudan's Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahi Eldin Salem, has stated that the government is ready to engage in a positive negotiation process to end the war, with participation from the United States, regional and international countries. He emphasized that any settlement must respect Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The negotiations would involve the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan, China, Turkey, the Arab League, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations.
Minister Salem made these remarks during a press conference at the Sudanese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. He expressed Sudan's willingness to work with the mentioned parties to end the conflict. Salem also stressed that the negotiation process should not impose external solutions on Sudan. The press conference was attended by other high-ranking officials, including the Governor of Darfur and the Adviser to the Chairman of the Sovereign Council.
The conflict in Sudan began on April 15, 2023, with Minister Salem attributing its start to a well-planned plot. He claimed that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, led by General Khalil Awda, initiated the conflict by targeting the Merowe airport and a group of military trainers from Egypt. Salem alleged that the RSF received extensive financing, arming, and support from certain Sudanese individuals and institutions that were part of the military system.
In May 2023, the Sudanese government participated in negotiations in Jeddah, which led to understandings and commitments that could have contained the conflict in its early stages. However, Minister Salem accused the RSF of reneging on these commitments and continuing to commit crimes and human rights abuses, allegedly for external agendas and interests.
Despite the setbacks, Minister Salem reiterated Sudan's openness to negotiation initiatives aimed at ending the war. He emphasized that any negotiation process must be based on respect for Sudan's sovereignty and unity. The Sudanese government is committed to finding a peaceful solution led and owned by the Sudanese people.
The African Union has expressed support for Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. During a meeting between the AU's Chairman and Minister Salem, both parties emphasized the need for a comprehensive, Sudanese-led peace settlement. The AU's stance aligns with Sudan's position on the conflict and the negotiation process.
The Sudanese delegation's diplomatic efforts in New York included meetings with international officials and envoys to discuss the conflict and peace initiatives. These efforts aim to revive the negotiation process and find a peaceful resolution to the war. Sudan's commitment to negotiations and its rejection of external solutions remain key aspects of its approach to resolving the conflict.
Key points
- Sudan's government is open to negotiations to end the war, but rejects any solutions imposed from outside.
- The conflict began on April 15, 2023, with allegations of extensive financing and support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
- The African Union supports Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and advocates for a Sudanese-led peace settlement.
