The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Peace Negotiation Delegation is participating in a two-day workshop titled “Wars and Prospects for Building a New State in Sudan: Challenges and Possible Pathways” in The Hague, scheduled for December 6-7, 2024. The event comes at a pivotal moment, as Sudan’s civil war enters its 18th month, with General al-Burhan’s SAF continuing to attack civilians, drawing widespread international condemnation.
During the workshop, RSF representative Ergani emphasized that Sudan’s current conflict should be the last one, stressing the importance of acknowledging the country’s past while ensuring accountability for those responsible for the violence.
“We need to focus on historical justice, not transitional justice. Many have wronged Sudan, and this must be addressed as we work toward rebuilding the nation,” Ergani said.
Ergani also discussed two key agreements—the Manama and Jeddah declarations—signed with the aim of ending the conflict.
The Jeddah declaration, which focuses on ensuring humanitarian access and civilian protection, is seen as essential for future peace negotiations. “This declaration lays the foundation for any future talks,” the RSF representative stated.
The Manama Agreement, signed in January 2024, is considered by the RSF as the most critical document in the ongoing crisis. It outlines 21 principles designed to guide Sudan’s transition to peace and stability. “The first principle is the unity of Sudan and its people.
The second is that this conflict must be resolved through peaceful negotiations, as there is no military solution,” Ergani explained. He emphasized that Sudan’s crisis is deeply rooted in social, political, and economic issues, and cannot be easily resolved.
A key focus of the Manama Agreement is the need for equal citizenship, which the RSF believes is fundamental to ensuring justice and power for all Sudanese citizens.
The RSF also supports the establishment of a decentralized governance system, empowering regions to manage their own affairs and benefit from the country’s resources. “The current Sudanese Armed Forces are not protecting the people—they have been killing Sudanese since 1955,” Ergani added, calling for the creation of a new security sector, including a reformed army, police, and intelligence services.
The RSF stressed that the principles outlined in both the Manama and Jeddah agreements must be fully implemented to achieve lasting peace. “If these 21 principles are honored, Sudan’s problems will be resolved for good, and this war will be the last,” Ergani declared. However, he also expressed concern that the SAF under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s leadership, remain controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood, which has prevented meaningful peace talks.
Ergani concluded with a strong message: “Without addressing these challenges, peace will remain elusive. We are committed to building a new Sudan, and there can be no compromise on this vision.”
The workshop, hosted by The Hague Peace Projects (THPP), provided a platform for discussing strategies for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. THPP is a non-governmental organization focused on promoting human rights and peace, particularly in conflict zones, by connecting local actors to international efforts and advocating for justice and accountability.