Communique of Sudan’s Neighbouring States Summit held in Cairo Egypt 13 July 2023

Report from SIS (Egypt State Information Service)
Published Thursday 13 July 2023; 07:41 PM - here is a full copy:

Communique of Sudan’s Neighboring States Summit

Upon the invitation of H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the heads of state and governments of the Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya and South Sudan, with the presence of the Chairman of the African Union Commission and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, met in Cairo on July 13, 2023 to attend the “Sudan’s Neighboring States Summit”. They discussed various aspects of the situation in Sudan and deliberated on possible solutions to end the crisis. The leaders agreed on the following:

1- Expressing their deep concern regarding the ongoing military confrontations and the continuous deterioration of the security and humanitarian situations in Sudan. The leaders called on the parties to the conflict to de-escalate the situation and commit to an immediate and sustainable cease-fire to end the war, and avoiding further loss of innocent civilian Sudanese lives and destruction of property.

2- Affirming their full respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan. The leaders agreed that the current conflict is an internal Sudanese affair, and stressed the need for ending any external interferences in the crisis. Such interferences protract the conflict and obstruct efforts to contain its escalation and reach an agreed settlement that will restore stability and security in Sudan.

3- Reiterating the importance of preserving the Sudanese State and its institutions, and preventing the fragmentation of the country, or descent into chaos that could lead to the spread of terrorism and organized crime, and other serious impacts on the national security of neighboring states and overall regional stability.

4- Stressing the utmost priority of formulating a comprehensive approach to addressing the current crisis and its humanitarian ramifications, including pertaining to those internally displaced and the growing influx of refugees fleeing the conflict to neighboring states, a challenging situation that creates growing pressure on the resources of neighboring states. The leaders called on the international community and donor countries to shoulder their responsibility through upholding pledges made at the “Ministerial-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region”, attended by Sudan’s neighboring states on June 19, 2023.

5- Expressing grave concern regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, and condemning the repeated attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and public services outlets. The leaders also called on the international community to step up efforts to provide crucial humanitarian aid, and to address urgent shortages in food and medical supplies in Sudan, as a measure towards alleviating the serious hardships caused by the crisis on innocent civilians.

6- Agreeing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid provided to Sudan through the territories of neighboring states, in coordination with relevant international agencies and organizations, and to strongly promote the establishment of safe passage for aid deliveries to the most affected and vulnerable areas. In this context, the leaders urged various Sudanese parties to provide the necessary protection for humanitarian assistance and personnel and to facilitate their mission in delivering assistance to those in need.

7- Emphasizing the pressing need for a political solution to stop the ongoing conflict. To this end, the leaders called for an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue between Sudanese parties, prioritizing the aspirations and prosperity of the Sudanese people through the restoration of stability and security to the country.

8- Agreeing to form a Ministerial Mechanism comprised of foreign ministers of Sudan’s neighboring states to coordinate common efforts to resolve the current conflict. The Ministerial Mechanism shall hold its first meeting in N’Djamena and will be mandated to take the following measures:

A- Develop an action-plan that includes practical steps towards stopping the fighting and reaching a comprehensive solution to the crisis through direct communication with various Sudanese parties, in complementarity with the existing mechanisms, including the IGAD and AU.

B- Discuss measures required to address the impact of the crisis on the future of Sudan’s stability, unity and territorial integrity, as well as to protect and preserve Sudan’s national institutions. The Ministerial Mechanism shall also discuss steps to contain the negative effects of the crisis on neighboring states, and agree on a delivery mechanism to provide humanitarian aid and relief to the Sudanese people.

C- The Ministerial Mechanism shall present its recommendations to the next Sudan’s Neighboring States Summit.

View original:

https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183662/Communique-of-Sudan’s-Neighboring-States-Summit/

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

Note, this report says "the acting government of Sudan, the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), as well as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) welcomed the results of Sudan's Neighbouring Countries Summit".

Report from Ahram Online 
Published Saturday 15 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

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

A number of Arab countries have welcomed the final communique of the Sudan’s Neighbouring States Summit held in Egypt on Thursday as a step towards reaching a peaceful solution to the Sudanese crisis.

This handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C), accompanied by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (C-L) and intelligence chief Abbas Kamel (C-R) attending a regional summit for neighbouring nations impacted by the three-month war between Sudan s rival generals in Cairo on July 13, 2023. AFP

The summit in Cairo brought together Egypt, Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, along with the secretary-general of the Arab League and the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, about three months after the conflict erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The summit has agreed on eight points mentioned in the communique, most notably the formation of a ministerial mechanism comprising the foreign ministers of Sudan’s neighbours to address the conflict, which has had severe impacts on regional countries.

Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Oman, Tunisia, Yemen, Palestine and Sudan have welcomed the communique, hailing Egyptian efforts in hosting the summit.

In a statement on Friday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the communique as an “important step that is part of the regional and international endeavours aiming to stop the fighting in the sisterly Republic of the Sudan with dialogue and peaceful means.”

The Qatari state looks forward to seeing the outcomes of the summit and other endeavours pave the way for a permanent resolution to the armed conflict in Sudan, the ministry stressed.

Expanded negotiations including all political forces in Sudan should follow the ceasefire in order to reach a sustainable peace that fulfills the aspirations of the Sudanese people for stability, development and prosperity, the ministry added.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the communique, affirming the importance of reaching a ceasefire and resolving the conflict peacefully through dialogue.

President El-Sisi Participates in the Final Session of Sudan’s Neighboring Countries Summit

Jordan also voiced support for all efforts towards a solution to the Sudanese crisis, including the summit in Cairo, said the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said.

The Omani Foreign Ministry, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, and the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs all expressed appreciation for Egypt's efforts in hosting the summit, called for an immediate end to the fighting, and for security, peace and dialogue in Sudan.

In a statement from the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Yemen hailed the great and fruitful efforts led by Egypt's President El-Sisi at the summit as a means to ending the bloodshed and fulfilling the Sudanese people’s aspirations to achieve peace and prosperity.

Meanwhile, the acting government of Sudan, the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), as well as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) welcomed the results of Sudan's Neighbouring Countries Summit.

The crisis in Sudan has significantly affected the country’s neighbours, which have received hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees over the past three months.

Thursday’s summit warned that prolonging the crisis will result in an increasing number of refugees, overwhelming the capabilities of neighbouring countries.

Related

Sudan's neighbouring countries to form ministerial mechanism to address crisis: Summit’s final statement

Explainer: Egypt’s vision on how Sudan can emerge from current crisis

Video: Egypt president and Ethiopia PM discuss Sudanese crisis, GERD ahead of Sudan’s summit

 

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504788.aspx

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Ruto chairs inaugural IGAD meeting on Sudan peace process. End violence in Sudan: IGAD asks fighters

Report at www.kbc.co.ke

Published 10 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

President Ruto chairs inaugural IGAD meeting on Sudan peace process

President William Ruto is currently chairing the inaugural IGAD Quartet meeting on Sudan peace process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Quartet comprises of representatives from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya which is chairing the high-level delegation. 

In a statement issued on Monday, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the meeting aims to foster collaboration among member nations to ensure peace and stability prevails in Sudan.

“The focus among others is to achieve a cessation of hostilities, facilitate humanitarian access and undertake concrete steps in support of an inclusive civilian Sudanese process that leads to sustainable peace in Sudan,” said Hussein.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Quartet meeting on the Sudan Peace process also aims to establish a sustainable framework that can lead the nation towards a path of reconciliation and development.

https://www.kbc.co.ke/president-ruto-chairs-inaugural-igad-meeting-on-sudan-peace-process/

_____________________________

Africa Press Release
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya
Published Monday 10 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

End violence in the Sudan: Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) asks combatants

Parties to the Sudan conflict have been asked to declare an unconditional ceasefire.

President William Ruto said Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces must also agree to establish a humanitarian zone.

He said the move will stop the loss of lives, ease access to public services and facilitate a settlement of the conflict.

This, he pointed out, will lead to the resumption of the final phase of the political process.

“This will lay the foundation for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Sudan.”

He made the remarks on Monday in Addis Ababa during the IGAD Quartet Heads of State and Government meeting that focussed on the Sudan conflict.

Present were Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and representatives from South Sudan and rival factions.

President Ruto, who also chairs the IGAD Quartet, termed the situation in Sudan as dire with data indicating that over 2.9 million people have been displaced.

On the other hand, death toll stands at more than 2,000 as the crisis exerts more pressure on neighbouring countries.

“The intensity and scale of the humanitarian crisis is a harrowing calamity,” he told the meeting.

In Darfur, Dr Ruto added, targeted inter-ethnic attacks were steadily spiralling towards the commission of genocide.

“This alarming state of affairs calls for a bold and all-inclusive peace dialogue.”

View original: 

https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/africa-press-releases/end-violence-in-the-sudan-intergovernmental-authority-on-development-igad-asks-combatants-v41sclpk

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South Sudan has been officially admitted to NAM

South Sudan has been officially admitted to the global Non-Aligned Movement, according to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. #SouthSudan #SSOT https://t.co/jfmsf8bzvp

— Eye Radio (@EyeRadioJuba) July 6, 2023

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OCHA: 130,000 fled into South Sudan since April 15

MORE THAN 10,000 people have registered as refugees in South Sudan after fleeing the conflict in Sudan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), has said.

While overall 130,000 have fled into South Sudan since fighting in Sudan started in April, most were South Sudanese returning home. Read more.

Report at BBC News Sudan
By Nichola Mandil, BBC News, Juba
Published Monday 26 June 2023 at 13:43 - here is a full copy:

South Sudan takes in 10,000 refugees fleeing Sudan

Reuters

Copyright: Reuters

Image caption: The Gorom refugee camp is near South Sudan's capital, Juba

More than 10,000 people have registered as refugees in South Sudan after fleeing the conflict in Sudan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha), has said.

While, overall, 130,000 people have fled into South Sudan since the fighting started in April, most of them were South Sudanese returning home.

Ocha said the latest influx continues to compound a dire situation as the arrival numbers are projected to continue to increase as fighting continues.

Among those arriving include unaccompanied or separated children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, those with urgent medical needs, single- or female-headed households and pregnant women, Ocha added.

Many arrivals have witnessed, or were subjected to, violence and exploitation such as extortion and looting, including during their journey to South Sudan.

Looking at the rest of Sudan's neighbours, Egypt - with 255,000 - and Chad - with 120,000 - have taken in the bulk of the refugees fleeing the violence.

Read more about those fleeing Sudan:

The Eritrean refugees caught between two crises

'How I saved my red guitar from Khartoum war zone'

Click here to view original.

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South Sudan plans to join the Non-Aligned Movement

THE Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a forum for 120 countries that are not formally siding with or against any major power bloc. After the United Nations, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide. About 52 African nations except South Sudan and Western Sahara are NAM members. It also has 17 Observer Countries and 10 Observer organisations. Read more.

Report published at Africa-Press.net
Dated Monday 12 June 2023; 16:02 - here is a full copy:

South Sudan plans to join league of neutral nations

(Africa-Press – South-Sudan) - South Sudan’s Governance Cluster headed by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar [pictured] on Friday disclosed that the country plans to join Non-Aligned Movement.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a forum for 120 countries that are not formally siding with or against any major power bloc.

After the United Nations, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.

It was founded in 1961 with the view of advancing the interests of developing countries in the context of Cold War confrontation between the United States and its allies, and the Soviet Union.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro said on June 9, the cluster will present a draft to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Speaking to the state television SSBC, Lomuro said the cluster discussed the advantages of joining the neutral nations without disclosing the benefits.

“We wish to become a member of Non-Aligned Movement, currently chaired by Azerbaijan,” he said.

“We have discussed generally the benefit of joining us Non-Aligned Movement and in the end, we recommended this step and we presented a memo that we go to the council of ministry for final approval.”

About 52 African nations except South Sudan and Western Sahara are NAM members.

Algeria was the first African country to join the movement in 1969 while Zimbabwe was considered as the last country in Africa to be a part of the aligned in 1979.

The bloc played a crucial role in decolonization, the formation of new independent states, and the democratization of international relations.

The movement is governed by five principles: mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; mutual non-aggression; mutual non-interference in domestic affairs; equality and mutual benefit; and peaceful co-existence.

It also has 17 Observer Countries and 10 Observer organizations.

View original: https://www.africa-press.net/south-sudan/all-news/south-sudan-plans-to-join-league-of-neutral-nations

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Post script from Sudan Watch Editor:

NAM celebrated its 60th anniversary in Belgrade on 11-12 Oct 2021. Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia. 

As per Wikipedia, Belgrade is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the world. One of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe, the Vinča culture, evolved within the Belgrade area in the 6th millennium BC. Here is NAM's logo. 

Image: Logo of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Credit: Wikipedia

Image: Closing ceremony of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit with the presence of members’ heads of state with an inaugural speech by supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Non-Aligned Movement celebrated its 60th anniversary in Belgrade, on 11–12 October 2021. Credit: Wikipedia

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IGAD sticks to mediation roadmap amid Sudan rejection of Kenya President Ruto's lead role

Report at The EastAfrican - theeastafrican.co.ke

By Aggrey Mutambo

By Mawahib Abdallatif

Dated Thursday 15 June 2023 - full copy:

Igad sticks to mediation roadmap amid Sudan rejection of Ruto's lead role

Kenya President William Ruto when he met Sudan army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan special envoy Malik Agar Nganyoufa (left) on May 29, 2023, and, right, the paramilitary RSF Mohamed Hamdani Daglo ‘HemedtI's political advisor Youssef Ezzat on June 3, 2023. PHOTOS | PPU | RSF TWITTER

Summary

• Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it expressed disagreement to a number of paragraphs mentioned in the draft final statement of the summit.
• Burhan considers himself the definitive head of Sudan and has labelled Hemedti as a rebel.
• UN mission in Sudan said it was deeply shocked by the killing of Governor of West Darfur in El Geneina.

Sudan has rejected the appointment of Kenyan President William Ruto as head of a quartet to facilitate peace under the regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad)

The junta leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused Nairobi of having “harboured” sympathies for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose leader Mohammed Hamdan Daglo Hemedti was once his deputy, but is now an arch-enemy.

The latest statement on Thursday [15 June] came as Sudan had also rejected the Igad mediation schedule, which would have seen Ruto arrange for a face-to-face meeting, for the first time, between the two warring generals.

Igad had insisted it would stick to the mediation quartet led by Kenya in the search for peace in Sudan, even after Khartoum rejected the proposals, in spite of Sudanese protests.

According to officials familiar with the decision, resolutions publicised in an official Igad communique remain in force until formally revised by the heads of state and government of the eight-member bloc.

On Monday, Igad had named Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti as members of a quartet to help Sudanese warring generals seek peace.

Sudan said, after the meeting, that Igad announced the mediation plan without consent from Burhan.

Governor assassinated

The rejection portends early problems with the ‘roadmap’ to help achieve long-term ceasefire and came as the governor of West Darfur was assassinated.

On Monday [12 June], just two days after the Igad summit in Djibouti, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed it had rejected any mention of mediation and also opposed being replaced as chair of Igad. The summit had appointed Djibouti to replace Sudan for the next one year, under the new rules that follow an alphabetical order of members.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs ministry said it “expressed its disagreement and objection to a number of paragraphs that were mentioned in the draft final statement of the summit due to the fact that they were not discussed and agreed upon, and the delegation called on the Igad Secretariat to delete them.”

“These paragraphs relate to changing the chairmanship of the Igad committee, as the delegation demanded that South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit retain the chairmanship of the committee and demanded the deletion of any reference to the subject of mediation.”

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’oei said there had been no official protest from Sudan but did suggest only the Summit can revise the decisions.

“Both the inclusion of the Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the Troika mandated to seek peace in Sudan Crisis and the appointment of President William Ruto to lead the quartet was arrived at by the Igad Summit and can only be vacated by the Summit,” Dr Singoei said.

No official communication on this yet. But both the inclusion of PM @AbiyAhmedAli to the Troika mandated to seek peace in #SudanCrisis & appointment of @WilliamsRuto to lead the Quartet was arrived at by the IGAD Summit & can only be vacated by the Summithttps://t.co/ePhMqqbUzh

— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) June 15, 2023

Incidentally, a Sudanese representative Malik Agar, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan, chaired the summit. Agar replaced Mohamed Hamdani Daglo ‘Hemedti’, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that has since April 15 been fighting Burhan’s Sudan Armed Forces.

Sudan says it notified Igad regarding the need for Kiir “to continue chairing the Quartet Committee that was approved by the summit in accordance with the objective considerations mentioned by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni in the Igad Emergency Summit that was held online on April 16, 2023.” At the time, Juba led Uganda and Kenya in the earlier troika that sought to travel to Khartoum but failed.

During the summit attended by leaders from the eight member states and officials from associated organisations, Sudan is said to have rejected proposals for dialogue with Hemedti.

“Igad underlined the importance of consultation and coordination with the Government of the Sudan regarding all-inclusive efforts aiming at solving the ongoing conflict,” a communique said.

Somalia or Djibouti?

But behind the scenes as a raging Khartoum felt the weight of the proposals by Igad, Ruto said a quartet of Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia would work with the AU to help achieve peace in Sudan. The official communique released, unusually more than 24 hours after the meeting, named Djibouti, rather than Somalia in the quartet.

“This group was supposed to arrange, within ten days, a face-to-face meeting between Burhan and Hemedti in one of the regional capitals, and, within 2 weeks, secure a commitment for humanitarian corridor. An inclusive political process towards a political settlement was to start within three weeks,” it said.

“We have taken the decision…so that we can speak to them directly on behalf of Igad, with the view of stopping the war that is raging,” said President Ruto at a press briefing in Djibouti, where the summit had gathered on Monday.

“Kenya commits to meet the two Sudan generals face to face to find a lasting solution to the crisis.”

A diplomat familiar with the discussions told The EastAfrican, Sudan had indeed opposed the clauses, and especially the inclusion of Ethiopia with which they have a decades-old unresolved border dispute. But was convinced South Sudan will still play a leading role on the committee, including hosting the meeting. 

Traditionally, communiques have often been released only on the endorsement of the respective ambassadors of member states.

But the official said Sudan’s beef with Kenya in the lead is the fact that they already gave an ear to an envoy of the RSF earlier this month. On June 3, Ruto met with RSF political advisor Youssef Ezzat. But the RSF claimed the meeting was “part of a tour encompassing friendly nations, aimed to elucidate the evolving situation in Sudan.”

Burhan considers himself the definitive head of Sudan and has labelled Hemedti as a rebel.

“With a comprehensive understanding, Ezzat provided Ruto with an insightful explanation of the war's causes and the prevailing circumstances, backed by accurate information regarding its motives and the responsible parties,” RSF tweeted of the Nairobi meeting.

Since April 15, their clash has led to more than 1,200 deaths, 800,000 displacements and serious property destruction. The sides have signed seven ceasefire deals, all broken within hours of declaration.

On Wednesday, Khamis Abdullah Abakar, the Governor of West Darfur was murdered as the war continued to expand to key strongholds.

The late governor of West Darfur State Khamis Abdullah Abakar. PHOTO | SUDAN NEWS AGENCY VIA AFP

Burhan accused RSF of killing the governor hours after he had accused Hemedti's forces and its militia allies of committing genocide in his region.

But RSF, denying the claims, condemned his killing and accused the army of being responsible for arming one of the parties to the conflict.

Activists in Sudan had published videos and pictures of his earlier arrest, and later of him being killed.

The news of the killing comes days after the intensification of armed clashes in the city of El Geneina (the centre of West Darfur State), after the city "turned into something like a ghost town due to the continuous fighting," according to the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate statement.

The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (Unitams) said it was “deeply shocked by the killing of governor of West Darfur in El Geneina.”

Unitams in a statement “strongly condemns this heinous act. Compelling eyewitness accounts attribute this act to Arab militias and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), even though the RSF communicated a denial of their involvement to the mission”.

The UN Mission in Sudan called for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice and the cycle of violence in the region to not expand further. 

“The loss of Khamis Abdullah Abakar, a key interlocutor in the region and a signatory of the Juba Peace Agreement, is deeply regrettable for Unitams” the statement said.

Read:

Igad to hold direct talks with Sudan generals

Sudan: Burhan rejects direct talks with Hemedti

Kiir: Sudan rivals ‘ready’ for talks

Ruto: Sudan war atrocious, regional threat

UN warns of mass exodus from Sudan

UN Mission launches political transition talks in Sudan

View original: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/igad-sticks-to-mediation-roadmap-amid-sudan-rejection-of-ruto-4271410

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