Sudan’s RSF rebel group forms ‘liaison committee’

Note, still no word Hemeti's alive, injured or dead. Why's nobody asking? 

 

Report from Anadolu Agency website
By Behram Abdelmunim and Ikram Kouachi
Published Sunday 16 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

Sudan’s paramilitary RSF forms ‘liaison committee’ to solve crisis

Sudan torn by clashes between army, paramilitary RSF since April

KHARTOUM, Sudan 

The commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group said he has formed a liaison committee with political groups and rebel movements to reach a “political solution” to the Sudanese crisis.

In a statement on Saturday, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, said the move aims “to reach a comprehensive political solution” to the crisis in Sudan.

The committee “will hold broad consultations on the ongoing Sudanese crisis, and the best way to reach a comprehensive solution with the participation of all political, youth and societal forces,” the statement said.

There was no comment from the Sudanese army on the RSF’s move.

Sudan has been ravaged by clashes between the army and the RSF since April, in a conflict that has killed some 3,000 civilians and injured thousands, according to local medics.

Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi and US mediators between the warring rivals have failed to end the violence.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that nearly 3 million people have been displaced by the conflict in Sudan.

Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the ongoing conflict in Sudan may lead to a full-scale civil war.

View original: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudan-s-paramilitary-rsf-forms-liaison-committee-to-solve-crisis/2946991

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Ruto phoned Burhan and Deby - IGAD and Jeddah processes must work together for a ceasefire in Sudan

THIS tweet by Kenyan President Ruto @WilliamsRuto says: "The IGAD and Jeddah processes must work together to facilitate the realisation of a permanent ceasefire in Sudan. They must also push for the free movement of humanitarian assistance, the protection of refugees and the reactivation of the Political Process. Held a telephone call with the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan. In my capacity as chair of the IGAD Quartet of Heads of States on Sudan, I also spoke with the President of Chad General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno; our conversation centered around the speedy restoration of normalcy in Sudan and support for refugee-hosting countries."

The IGAD and Jeddah processes must work together to facilitate the realisation of a permanent ceasefire in Sudan. They must also push for the free movement of humanitarian assistance, the protection of refugees and the reactivation of the Political Process.

Held a telephone call…

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 16, 2023

The tweet is timestamped William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) 2:12 PM July 16, 2023 

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Sisi heads for Kenya to attend AU mid-year meeting

The 5th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of African Union Bureau of the Assembly will be held in Nairobi, Kenya tomorrow (Sun 16 Jul) in the presence of Egyptian President El-Sisi. Read more.

Report from SIS (Egypt State Information Service) https://www.sis.gov.eg/

Published Saturday 15 July 2023, 12:46 PM - here is a full copy (Update: added 4 photos and text)

Ambassador: Kenya appreciates Egypt's great efforts to solve pending issues in Africa, Sudanese crisis

Egyptian Ambassador in Nairobi Wael Nasreddin Attia said Kenya is appreciating greater efforts exerted by Egypt to solve pending issues in the African continent, with special focus on attempts to find a solution to the crisis in Sudan.

Attia told MENA on Saturday 15/07/2023 on the sidelines of the convocation of the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of African Union Bureau of the Assembly that Kenya is appreciating as well Cairo's calls to Sudan's neighboring countries to discuss ways of stopping bloodshed in Sudan and restore security and stability to the important Arab, African state.

The Summit will be held in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Sunday, in the presence of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Attia further asserted the utmost keenness of the two states to tap new vistas of cooperation to attain a quantum leap in the level of bilateral ties.

The Egyptian diplomat pointed out to the friendly relations binding Cairo and Nairobi amid rapprochement of viewpoints and joint interests between the two countries and turmoil in regional and international arenas, which, he added require the coordination of all efforts and unity of the African ranks.

He also referred to contacts between President Sisi and the Kenyan president regarding a number of issues of mutual concern, topped by the situation in Sudan and Somalia.

The ambassador said Egypt is always coordinating with all countries concerned with the Sudanese crisis.

Egypt and Kenya enjoy distinguished relations and share interests, he said, adding both countries agree on the way to address climate issues, given Egypt played host to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in November. 

View original: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183684/Ambassador-Kenya-appreciates-Egypt's-great-efforts-to-solve-pending-issues-in-Africa%2c-Sudanese-crisis

Related reports

Sisi heads to Nairobi to attend AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting on Sunday

Ahram Online - Saturday 15 July 2023

El-Sisi will deliver a speech presenting Egypt's ambitious two-year roadmap as the current chair of the Steering Committee of the African Development Agency (NEPAD) …African leaders and heads of government will convene in the 5th MYCM under the AU's 2023 theme: “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation”

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504793.aspx

AU mid-year meeting in Nairobi to focus on continental integration and financing
Ahram Online - Wednesday 12 July 2023
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504660.aspx

Sisi heads for Kenya to partake at AU’s 5th MYCM
Egypt SIS - Saturday 15 July 2023; 12:53 PM
https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183685/Sisi-heads-for-Kenya-to-partake-at-AU%E2%80%99s-5th-MYCM

Egyptian and Eritrean presidents discuss ways to resolve Sudan crisis and end bloodshed
Egypt SIS - Thursday 13 July 2023; 10:22 PM
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi held a meeting with President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki in Cairo on the sidelines of their participation at Sudan’s neighbouring countries summit on Thursday, discussing possible resolutions for the crisis and bloodshed in Sudan.
https://sis.gov.eg/Story/183666/Egyptian-and-Eritrean-presidents-discuss-ways-to-resolve-Sudan-crisis-and-end-bloodshed/

UPDATE Sat 15 Jul 2023 23:46 BST

President Sisi arrives in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday 15 July 2023

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi addressed a speech to President Ruto, President of Kenya, and the brotherly Kenyan people in the visitor’s record at the outset of his visit to Kenya to participate in the coordination meeting of the African Union and African regional economic groupings:

“I am pleased to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to His Excellency President William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for his kind hospitality and warm reception”.

I express my happiness to be in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, wishing my brother, His Excellency President Ruto and the brotherly people of Kenya, further prosperity and progress.”

Objectives of the African Coordination Summit

The African Coordination Meeting was launched in 2019 under the Egyptian chairmanship of the African Union. It was established as part of efforts toward the institutional reform of the Union, the division of labour and tasks between the African Union Commission and regional economic groupings, and the enhancement of the course of regional integration among the continent's countries, particularly with regard to economic integration, the most significant steps of which was launching the African Continental Free Trade Area under the AU’s Egyptian chairmanship in 2019.

President's visit program

President El-Sisi is set to deliver a speech, outlining Egypt's plan in its capacity as current chair of the Steering Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Development Agency (NEPAD). In his capacity as current chairperson of the United Nations Climate Conference, the President will also address the Environment and Climate Change Session, showcasing Egypt's efforts to address the impacts of climate change on African countries.

President El-Sisi is expected to hold talks with his brother, President of Kenya, William Ruto, to explore mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, ways to address the concerns of the African continent, as well as developments in regional issues and dossiers of mutual interest. They will also discuss cooperation to strengthen the frameworks of joint African action in order to push forward the development process and promote integration in the continent.

PHOTOS Courtesy of the Egyptian Presidency

View original:

https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183696/President-El-Sisi-visit-to-Kenya-to-participate-in-the-coordination-meeting-of-the-African-Union

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Sudan army to resume Jeddah truce talks with RSF

From Ahram.org

By AFP (Agence France-Presse)

Published Saturday 15 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

Sudan army to resume Jeddah truce talks with RSF: Government source

Sudanese army representatives have returned to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for talks with their paramilitary foes, a government source said Saturday as the war between rival generals entered its fourth month.

People queue for bread in front of a bakery in Omdurman on July 15, 2023. Since April 15, 2023, the forces the Sudanese army chief have been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. AFP

"A delegation of the armed forces has returned to Jeddah to resume negotiations with Rapid Support Forces rebels," the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to media.

The RSF has made no comment on returning to the Jeddah talks, which Saudi and US mediators adjourned last month after a series of repeatedly violated ceasefires.

Witnesses in the Sudanese capital Khartoum again reported clashes Saturday after a day of heavy fighting Friday left plumes of black smoke over several parts of the capital.

The war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has claimed at least 3,000 lives and displaced more than three million people since it began on April 15.

The delegation in Saudi Arabia signals a return to diplomatic efforts by the army, after it boycotted talks in Addis Ababa last week.

Khartoum's foreign ministry had objected to Kenyan President William Ruto leading a quartet from East African regional bloc IGAD, accusing Nairobi of siding with the RSF.

Before the Jeddah talks were suspended, US mediators had grown increasingly frustrated with both sides' reluctance to work towards a sustained truce.

Experts believe that both Burhan and Daglo have opted for a war of attrition instead, hoping to extract more concessions at the negotiating table later.

Related reports

Arab countries welcome communique of Sudan’s Neighbouring States Summit in Egypt

Egyptian and Eritrean presidents discuss ways to resolve Sudan crisis and end bloodshed

Leaders of South Sudan, Eritrea, Chad and Ethiopia arrive in Cairo for crucial Sudan summit

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504802.aspx

- - -

UPDATE Sun 16 Jul 2023 01:01 BST

Sudan government representatives arrive in Jeddah to resume talks with RSF

Report by MEE and agencies

Published Saturday 15 July 2023, 23:09 BST 

Image: Smoke billows in the distance around the Khartoum Bahri district in Sudan amid ongoing fighting on Friday 14 July 2023 (AFP)

Full story: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sudan-government-arrive-Jeddah-resume-talks-RSF

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Sudan's military fights to keep Wadi Saeedna airbase

Hat tip with thanks to Cameron Hudson for this toys for the boys' war pr0n. I wonder if this technology, combined with satellite imagery, is the "international-supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism" being hinted at.

A recent video reportedly of a SAF drone strike on a RSF target. I was not under the impression that SAF had armed drones. Can others confirm the veracity of this video and who may have provided them drones? Could be a new turning point despite just signing Jeddah deal. pic.twitter.com/OOzH39ak9R

— Cameron Hudson (@_hudsonc) May 21, 2023

___________________________________

MEANWHILE, SAF's fighting to keep Wadi Saeedna airbase. Read more.

Report at BBC News

By Zeinab Mohammed Salih, Khartoum

Dated Sunday 21 May 2023 - full copy:

Sudan conflict: Army fights to keep Wadi Saeedna airbase, residents say

Sudan's army is resisting an attempt by paramilitaries to advance towards its main airbase near the capital Khartoum, residents have said.

The airfield is used by the military to carry out air strikes on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and was also used by foreign governments to evacuate their nationals early in the conflict.

The fighting comes despite the announcement of a new seven-day truce.

Previous ceasefires have collapsed within minutes of being called.

A US-Saudi statement said the latest truce would come into effect on Monday evening, and would be different as it provides for a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism".

The US and Saudi Arabia have been brokering talks between the army and the RSF in the Saudi city of Jeddah for the past two weeks in an attempt to end the conflict that broke out on 15 April.

Most people I spoke to in Khartoum said a ceasefire would hold only if international monitors - backed by United Nations (UN) peacekeepers - are deployed.

In a sign of their lack of confidence in the latest ceasefire deal, bus loads of residents are continuing to flee Khartoum and its sister cities across the River Nile, Bahri and Omdurman, as there has been no let-up in the fighting.

RSF fighters in about 20 trucks are positioned east of the Nile, and are trying to cross a bridge to reach the Wadi Saeedna airfield.

The Sudanese military has retaliated by firing heavy artillery.

The battle has been going on for several days, but it has escalated.

"It feels like doomsday from early this [Sunday] morning. I think they will torture us until this ceasefire comes into effect," said a resident in Bahri's Khojalab suburb.

The military cannot afford to lose control of the airfield, as it is key to its strategy of pounding the RSF from the air as it fights to regain control of Khartoum and the other two cities.

An air strike also took place in Omdurman on Sunday, and explosions could be heard in its southern areas.

Earlier, the US State Department acknowledged previous failed attempts at brokering peace in Sudan, but said there was a key difference this time.

"Unlike previous ceasefires, the agreement reached in Jeddah was signed by the parties and will be supported by a US-Saudi and international-supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism," it said, without giving more details.

Sudan's military said it was committed to the agreement. The RSF has not commented.

The deal also allows for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Stocks of food, money and essentials have fast declined and aid groups repeatedly complained of being unable to provide sufficient assistance in Khartoum.

Both the regular army and the RSF have been urged to allow the distribution of humanitarian aid, restore essential services and withdraw forces from hospitals.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter: "It is past time to silence the guns and allow unhindered humanitarian access.

"I implore both sides to uphold this agreement - the eyes of the world are watching."

View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65662939

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Sudan presidential palace blown up in military strike?

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: This news just in but I can't verify it. It's behind a paywall at The Times online so I subscribed in order to read the report. After doing so, I still can't access the full report. Maybe it's propaganda that somehow found its way into the website. Here's what I saw.

Report from The Times

By Fred Harter, Port Sudan

Dated Tuesday 09 May 2023

Sudan presidential palace blown up in military strike

The presidential palace at the centre of fierce fighting between Sudan's warring military leaders has been destroyed in an airstrike, according to the country's paramilitary unit. The Rapid...

Read more here: Sudan presidential palace blown up in military strike

____________________________

UPDATE 30 mins later: Here below is the full report including 2 photos currently on website of The Times. Note, there are no photos of the allegedly destroyed palace. One of the car photos appeared online earlier this week. 

Also, a Reuters report just in says "an army source denied the claim"- see the report by Reuters here:

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/sudan-crisis-air-strikes-hit-khartoum-absence-of-police-prompts-looting-robbery/ar-AA1aYrDJ

____________________________

Sudan presidential palace blown up in military strike

Fred Harter, Port Sudan | Jane Flanagan

Tuesday May 09 2023, 9.30pm, The Times

The presidential palace at the centre of fierce fighting between Sudan’s warring military leaders has been destroyed in an airstrike, according to the country’s paramilitary unit.

The Rapid Support Forces have held the compound since April 15, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful figures exploded into warfare and turned the capital into a battleground.

In a statement last night the RSF said the colonial-era building — where the famed British Army officer Gordon of Khartoum was killed during the colonial era — had been devastated by missiles launched by air force fighter jets. They pledged “an appropriate response”.

Residents living near the sprawling complex, featured on stamps and bank notes, have been caught up in the clashes between forces loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de-facto leader since a coup in 2019, and the RSF’s warlord leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The palace attack is expected to stall talks between their envoys, who are meeting in neighbouring Saudi Arabia to discuss a truce to allow humanitarian organisations to reach those in need.

Exact figures have been impossible to determine, but hundreds of people are believed to have been killed and thousands wounded since fighting broke out, with aid supplies disrupted and 115,000 refugees fleeing into neighbouring states.

Elradi Hamdan, 44, an architectural engineer from Edinburgh, told The Times that Foreign Office officials informed him he could only board an RAF plane in Port Sudan if he left behind his pregnant wife and five children, all of whom are Sudanese. “They said, ‘If you want to come alone there is no problem, but you cannot take anybody else, not even your children’,” Hamdan said. “They just took people with the British passport.”

British government flights out of the country for UK passport holders ended last week. Saudi Arabia and other countries, including the United States, are still evacuating people from Port Sudan’s dockside.

Hamdan’s wife is recovering from breast cancer and his children are traumatised after being caught up in the fighting in Khartoum. As Hamdan spoke to The Times, his 10-year-old son could be heard crying out in the background. “He’s talking about the war in his sleep,” Hamdan said. “He heard a lot of gunshots and saw a lot of things a kid his age shouldn’t see.”

The family are camping in a half-built call centre owned by a friend. Before arriving in Port Sudan, they travelled twice to the Wadi Seidna airstrip, another site where the RAF had been staging evacuation flights.

On the second trip, Hamdam said he watched “five or six flights come and go” as officials refused to take his family. He returned to his home to find it had been looted.

“I don’t know what to do,” he said. “As a British citizen, I can go anywhere if there is a ticket. But I cannot leave my wife and children behind.”

The presidential palace in Khartoum has been at the centre of the fight

RAPID SUPPORT FORCES/ESN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

A destroyed car near the presidential palace. People living near the compound have been caught up in fierce clashes between the warring factions 

GETTY IMAGES

View original: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sudan-presidential-palace-blown-up-in-military-strike-f3c23mgjq

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