“Over the past 15 months, the horrific conflict in Sudan has pushed millions to the brink of famine and displaced nearly 10 million people. It continues to cause immeasurable suffering for the Sudanese people, and the United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war,” Antony Blinken said in a statement.
“Building on previous Jeddah operations facilitated in partnership with Saudi Arabia, the United States has invited the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to participate in U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks beginning August 14, 2024, in Switzerland,” Blinken added.
He added: “We thank the Swiss government for its offer to host the talks, and we welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a co-host. The African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations are scheduled to participate in the talks as observers.”
Blinken pointed out that these talks in Switzerland “aim to reach a nationwide cessation of violence, enable humanitarian access to all those in need, and develop a robust monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure the implementation of any agreement.”
“These talks are not intended to address broader political issues,” the US Secretary of State explained. “As the Sudanese people have long demanded, civilian rule in Sudan must return, and civilians must play the leading role in shaping the process of addressing political issues and restoring Sudan’s democratic transition.”
“The scale of death, suffering, and destruction in Sudan is devastating. This senseless conflict must end. The United States calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to attend and engage constructively in the talks, which must save lives, end the fighting, and find a path to a negotiated political solution to the conflict. We join the Sudanese people’s calls for peace and a democratic transition, and we urge the parties to stop fighting in order to create a brighter future for Sudan.”
Sudan has been witnessing violent fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023 due to political and security differences, resulting in about 13,900 deaths, more than 8 million displaced and refugees, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, according to the United Nations.
Source: RT
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2024-07-24 17:30:02
