Washington, October 31, 2023, The United States expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting discussions between Sudan's Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary in Jeddah. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement, extended thanks to Saudi Arabia and welcomed the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which represents the African Union, as a co-facilitator.
These ceasefire talks, convened by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and IGAD, focused on objectives like facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, establishing ceasefires, implementing confidence-building measures, and working toward a permanent cessation of hostilities. This aligns with the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed on May 11.
Miller emphasized the need for the parties involved to approach the talks constructively, underscoring the importance of saving lives, reducing conflict, and finding a negotiated resolution to the conflict. He also reiterated the U.S. call for external parties to refrain from exacerbating the situation.
"The time has come to halt senseless violence, reinstate civilian governance, and allow the people of Sudan to realize their aspirations for freedom, peace, and justice," Miller concluded.
