South Sudan has welcomed the resumption of peace talks over Sudan in Saudi Arabia, stating that it holds the potential to restore peace within the country.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of South Sudan, James Pitia Morgan, stated, “We received reports that the warring parties in Sudan will resume discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, which is commendable.”
The minister emphasized that Sudan plays a pivotal role in regional peace and security.
He mentioned that President Salva Kiir Mayardit expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia, the United States government, the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the frontline states, the United Nations, the Gulf States, and all those who have consistently worked towards achieving peace and stability in Sudan.
The negotiations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leadership in the Saudi city of Jeddah stalled in June 2023. The Sudanese army withdrew from the process, citing violations of the agreed ceasefire by the RSF.
In the course of the Jeddah peace talks, the Sudanese military additionally insisted on the RSF’s withdrawal from civilian areas and their relocation to distant cantonment sites, away from urban towns and centers in Khartoum and other regions, as a sign of commitment to the pledges made during the negotiations.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF began on April 15 due to tensions related to a proposed transition to civilian rule. After approximately six months of fighting, the United Nations estimates that around 9,000 people have lost their lives, and an additional 5.6 million individuals have fled their homes.