Kinshasa, 19 September 2024 (Fatshimetrie) – The situation in Sudan is of growing concern as the country has been embroiled in a deadly conflict for over a year. Recent statements by the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, expressing their willingness to reach a peaceful resolution, are both encouraging and worrying.
On the one hand, the openness shown to dialogue and the search for peaceful solutions is a positive sign that could lead to a cessation of hostilities and the establishment of mechanisms to guarantee the safety and well-being of Sudanese civilians. This desire for peace, expressed by the various parties to the conflict, is essential to pull the country out of the spiral of violence and suffering in which it is immersed.
On the other hand, mutual accusations of non-compliance with previous agreements and abuses committed by both parties highlight the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of peace. It is crucial that political and military leaders acknowledge their past mistakes and sincerely commit to ending the violence and human rights violations that have already claimed thousands of lives.
International pressure, epitomized by US President Joe Biden’s call to resume peace talks, is an important factor that could encourage the parties to the conflict to seek collaborative solutions and compromise for the benefit of the Sudanese people. The international community must continue to support mediation efforts and encourage all parties to engage seriously in the peace process.
It is imperative that the upcoming negotiations are conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, to ensure the sustainability of any agreements that are reached. Creating an environment conducive to dialogue, reconciliation, and post-conflict reconstruction is essential for Sudan to rebuild and prosper after years of devastating conflict.
In conclusion, the declaration of commitment to peace by the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces is a positive first step towards resolving the conflict in Sudan. However, it is essential that this commitment translates into concrete actions on the ground and a genuine desire to find lasting solutions to end the suffering of the Sudanese people. The hope for lasting peace and national reconstruction now rests on the sincerity and determination of the actors involved in the peace process.