Sudan: Generals Agree to Meet In Person In Effort to End The War

Sudan’s conflict, marked by internal military strife and escalating violence, has seen a glimmer of hope with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) securing commitments from the warring parties toward implementing a ceasefire and initiating a political dialogue.

The agreement, reached during talks in Djibouti, involved Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), agreeing to engage in a face-to-face meeting within 15 days. The discussions aimed to build trust and set the stage for broader political negotiations to resolve the conflict.

While details about the forthcoming meeting between the two generals remain undisclosed, the development marks a crucial step in potentially alleviating the chaos that has plagued Sudan since April, leading to widespread devastation and ethnic violence.

However, the conflict in Sudan has caused extensive damage and casualties, with both sides accusing each other of aggressive actions. Recent incidents include reported blasts at the al-Jaili oil refinery near Khartoum and an attack on a Red Cross convoy, resulting in casualties in the capital.

Simultaneously, Sudan’s government ordered the expulsion of 15 diplomats from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alleging their support for rebel forces. This expulsion follows claims that the UAE supplied arms to RSF in the conflict, reportedly linked to safeguarding business interests in Sudan, including in agriculture and a Red Sea port. The UAE has yet to acknowledge Sudan’s move or respond to the allegations.

The conflict in Sudan emerged from a fractured transition to democracy after the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, leading to a coup by the two generals in 2021. Subsequent discord between them resulted in armed conflict, exacerbating an already fragile situation.

While previous peace efforts have faltered, including recent rounds of indirect talks facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States, IGAD’s latest mediation efforts provide a renewed opportunity for ceasefire and political dialogue to stabilize Sudan. The hope remains that these talks could pave the way for a peaceful resolution and eventually steer Sudan toward stability and democracy.