2024-01-02 21:43:58
A joint statement was announced at the end of two days of discussions, which took place in Addis Ababa, between two Sudanese delegations representing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Democratic Civil Forces (Takadum). The declaration was signed this Tuesday, January 2, by Abdallah Hamdok, the former Prime Minister who initiated these meetings, and by General Mohamad Hamdane Daglo, also known as “Hemedti,” paramilitary commander. The meetings are a first between paramilitaries and civilians since the start of the war in Sudan on April 15. They mainly aim to put in place mechanisms to deliver humanitarian aid.
Published on: 02/01/2024 – 22:43
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It is a kind of road map aspiring to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire allowing aid to be delivered to millions of Sudanese who are in absolute need and who are suffering from the repercussions of the war.
The 4-page document signed by Abdallah Hamdok and Mohammed Hamdane Daglo stipulates, in 9 points, the need to establish a framework to resolve the humanitarian crisis, and insists on the principle of giving power to civilians, in order to establish a state democratic, unified and federal Sudan, completely rid of the leaders of the old regime.
Among the important points, on which the two parties agreed: the formation of a national committee responsible for investigating abuses committed against civilians. Another committee must determine which party initiated the hostilities.
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According to the document, the two sides agree on the return of civilians to the regions controlled by the RSF who should release 451 detainees as a sign of goodwill. However, the paramilitaries are accused by international NGOs of committing the most serious abuses against civilians.
Takadum says she has appealed to meet with both sides of the struggle. This joint program announced in Addis Ababa seems difficult to apply as long as the army does not adhere to it.
First political act of the civil forces
« What is important in this event is first of all that it demonstrates a first political act of these civil forces after a long process of meetings, seminars, discussions and that these civil forces manage to meet one of the protagonists of the conflict without immediately dividing. That is undoubtedly an important political element », analyzes Roland Marchal, researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and specialist in Sudan, at the microphone ofHouda Ibrahim of the Africa service.
« To think that this interview will have immediate and tangible consequences, however, seems quite unrealistic to me insofar as, during this same period, the declarations of the leaders of the army and of the old regime and of Hemedti became a little more martial and a little more warlike. That Hemedti wants to give the impression that he is winning the war and therefore that in a certain way, for him, the ceasefire is rather counterproductive », underlines the researcher.
If we compare with the period preceding the start of the war, in April 2023, it is true that Hemedti, through his various very recent trips, marked a diplomatic point in the region. At the same time, Igad, the regional organization, is trying to engage in mediation, the essential content of which is unknown to date. I believe that, yes, Hemedti is gaining some recognition.
Roland Marchal, researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and specialist in Sudan
Houda Ibrahim
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