SAF seems open to mediation initiatives. Saudi-US initiative is advanced, resumption of talks imminent

Report at Radio Dabanga - www.dabangasudan.org/en

Published Tuesday 18 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

Army remarks spark rumours that resumption of Jeddah talks is ‘imminent’

Army general and member of the Sovereignty Council Shamseldin Kabbashi (file photo: SUNA)

KHARTOUM – July 17, 2023

The leadership of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) seems open to mediation initiatives. SAF Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan praised the Saudi Arabia-USA-led mediation efforts in Jeddah and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Shamseldin Kabbashi said that the army is open to ‘any serious initiative’ to stop the war.

El Burhan thanked the governments of Saudi Arabia and the USA for facilitating the negotiation process in the Saudi city of Jeddah and highlighted the importance of the initiative.

Kabbashi told Al Jazeera TV channel on Saturday that the army is “open to any serious initiative to stop the war that guarantees the preservation of national sovereignty”.

He supports a comprehensive political dialogue and noted that the Saudi-American initiative is “advanced”.

The dialogue should lead to the formation of a civilian government to lead the transitional period and prepare for elections.

“The conspiracy against the country is great” and the armed forces are carrying out their constitutional duty, Kabbashi said.

On Saturday, Sudanese government sources reported that government representatives had arrived in Saudi Arabia to resume talks with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

These developments followed a Saudi-US statement, in which the two countries pledged their shared commitment to ending the conflict in Sudan.

In a summit in Egyptian capital Cairo last week, seven of Sudan’s neighbouring countries also agreed on ‘mechanism’ to end the war.

In a visit to Nairobi, Kenya, Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sisi stated that the summit complements other regional efforts aimed at ending the conflict and moving to peaceful dialogue.

Wide welcome

Within Sudan, Kabbashi statements were welcomed. Maj Gen (Retd) Fadlallah Burma, interim head of the National Umma Party (NUP), praised Kabbashi’s statements as “positive” on Sunday.

He called on the commanders of the warring SAF and RSF to immediately turn to the negotiating table in Jeddah to reach a comprehensive ceasefire and end the war.

NUP Secretary-General El Wasig El Bereir said in a post on Twitter yesterday that Kabbashi’s statements are “a courageous position that contributes to restoring stability in the country”. 

‘A courageous position that contributes to restoring stability in the country’

El Wasig El Bereir (NUP)

The head of the Sudanese Congress Party (SCP), Omar El Degeir, also welcomed Kabbashi’s statements and called for an immediate cessation of the war.

Khaled Omar Yousef, another leading member of the SCP and official spokesperson of the political process that saw the signing of the Framework Agreement, said in a post on Twitter that he welcomed Kabbashi’s statements and considered them an important step towards stopping the war.

He expressed his hope that negotiations will resume through the Jeddah platform soon and that Sudanese, international, and regional efforts will be coordinated in a unified negotiating platform.

Mohamed El Faki, former member of the Sovereignty Council and member of the Federal Assembly, said that the statements of General Kabbashi are a step in the right direction.

Criticism

Mubarak El Fadiu, head of a NUP breakaway faction, commented that if El Burhan agrees to return to a truce after the losses it caused to the people, he will have failed the people.

He accused the Biden administration of “seeking to salvage what remains of the RSF” in a post on Twitter. 

He stressed that “there should be no negotiations with the RSF, except for their surrender”.

Three-month truce

Journalist and political analyst Abdallah Rizig said that Gen Kabbashi and the RSF have an opportunity to promote a peaceful choice in practice through a ceasefire agreement.

The RSF should, as a first stage, withdraw to its positions before April 15 and the ceasefire should be properly monitored.

Both El Burhan and Hemedti, or their representatives, need to fully follow the roadmap that was agreed upon in the Jeddah platform. Rizig also stressed the need for an explicit declaration from the RSF not to seek to take power through war, as an affirmation of good faith.

Liaison Committee

On Saturday, the RSF formed a liaison committee with political and societal groups and rebel movements in the country.

The committee, set up by RSF Commander Mohamed ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, is chaired by his adviser Yousef Ezzat and aims to hold “wide-ranging consultations to address the roots of the accumulated national crisis”.

View original: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/army-remarks-spark-rumours-that-resumption-of-jeddah-talks-is-imminent

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FFC civilian group leader Arman urges unified front to end war and achieve democratic transition in Sudan

"A prominent leader of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), Yasir Arman, called for building a unified civil front in the country to end the war and advance the tasks of democratic transition in Sudan.

On Monday, the FFC delegation participated in the closing session of the IGAD Quartet meeting charged with ending the conflict in Sudan. It also held meetings with the leaders of the African Union and IGAD countries to brief them about its position on the ongoing conflict in Khartoum and Darfur and its tragic consequences.

Civil groups, including a faction led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, have recently raised calls for the participation of civilians in comprehensive negotiations with the aim of halting the war, re-establishing the political process, and achieving democratic transition." Read more.

Report at Sudan Tribune - sudantribune.com
Published 11 June 2023 - here is a fully copy:

Arman urges unified front to end war and achieve democratic transition in Sudan

Yasir Arman speaks to reporters in a press conference held by the FFC on November 16, 2022 (ST photo)

June 11, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – A prominent leader of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), Yasir Arman, called for building a unified civil front in the country to end the war and advance the tasks of democratic transition in Sudan.

The call comes after the leaders of the revolutionary forces left the country on a regional and international tour to advocate for an end to the fighting and to explain the positions of the coalition on the issues of transition in Sudan.

On Monday, the FFC delegation participated in the closing session of the IGAD Quartet meeting charged with ending the conflict in Sudan. It also held meetings with the leaders of the African Union and IGAD countries to brief them about its position on the ongoing conflict in Khartoum and Darfur and its tragic consequences.

In a statement to Sudan Tribune from the Ethiopian capital, Arman said that their meetings with the IGAD quartet, the African Union, and international partners highlighted the importance of political and civil forces in shaping the future of Sudan. He added that this is the first time that civil and political leaders participate in such meetings.

Arman stressed that the civil forces need to form a broad civil front after the end of the war and the return of the military to the barracks.

“The building of the civil front will not be undertaken by an individual or a single group, but by the forces of change, revolution, and democratic forces together, in full transparency and in broad daylight, inside and outside Sudan, to build a civil front that leads to a real transformation in Sudan,” he said.

Recently, calls have been made by civil groups, including a group led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, for the involvement of civilians in comprehensive negotiations aimed at stopping the war, resuming the political process, and democratic transition. Arman warned against the continuation of the ongoing conflict in the country between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, as it would lead to the destruction of Khartoum and plunge the country into a comprehensive civil war on ethnic and regional lines.

Civil groups, including a faction led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, have recently raised calls for the participation of civilians in comprehensive negotiations with the aim of halting the war, re-establishing the political process, and achieving democratic transition. Arman cautioned against the perpetuation of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, emphasizing the potential consequences of such a continuation, including the devastation of Khartoum and the escalation of a widespread civil war along ethnic and regional divisions.

He highlighted that the ongoing clashes within the nation have the potential to utterly devastate Khartoum and erase the historical significance embodied by its monuments over the past two centuries.

“Initially, RSF elements perpetrated numerous violations and unlawfully seized civilian homes and properties. Presently, in the absence of substantial ground forces, the army is moving towards depopulating the capital by subjecting it to airstrikes and artillery bombardments. Preventing the total annihilation of Khartoum is imperative. Also, it is essential that the voices of Sudanese people and the international community be raised to protect civilians in Khartoum and bring an end to the war.”

Following the outbreak of the fighting in Khartoum on April 15, the paramilitary forces seized civilian homes and turned them into barracks for their fighters. In addition, they occupied essential facilities and looted banks, resulting in disruptions to various aspects of life in the capital.

Recently, the RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti” admitted that his forces committed violations and promised to hold those involved accountable, but civilians are still suffering from looting and occupation of homes.

In addition, the military conducted aerial assaults on RSF positions situated in residential neighbourhoods, resulting in the loss of over a thousand lives and the displacement of more than one and a half million individuals to other regions or abroad.

Arman pointed out that the ongoing fighting in Darfur has become a threat to the peaceful coexistence between the various tribal components in the region and will lead to the eruption of ethnic and tribal conflict.

“Supporting civil society in Darfur, the Native Administration, women, youth, the displaced and refugees as a genuine partner to stop the war is important and necessary,” he further said.

Over 250,000 civilians from the Darfur region have been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of attacks by the RSF-backed Arab militias. Numerous reports have drawn parallels between these events and the ethnic cleansing and genocide that have occurred in some African countries.

The leader of the FFC called for the active participation of civil society in the distribution of aid, including medical personnel, legal experts, women, and youth. Additionally, they emphasized the need for the establishment of civil administrations across urban and rural areas of Sudan to ensure the fair distribution of assistance to those who are in need.

According to news reports, international aid intended for the war-affected population and civilians in need is not reaching its intended recipients. Instead, it is being stockpiled in warehouses, and there are allegations of involvement by organizations associated with the former regime. (ST)

View original: https://sudantribune.com/article275055/

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Sudan: Hamdok & US support for civilian initiatives

THIS tweet by US's Molly Phee (@AsstSecStateAF) dated 10 July 2023 is heartwarming to see. Sudanese PM Hamdok was and still is the best. It was sad to see him treated so badly. Let's hope we hear more of him soon and that he receives full support from his fellow Sudanese. The tweet says:

"Proud to meet with former Sudanese PM Hamdok today to discuss U.S. support for civilian initiatives to chart a new process to establish a civilian-led democratic transition. Agreed on the need to support an inclusive and transparent process that represents the full diversity of the Sudanese people, including civil society, Resistance Committees, the peripheries, youth and women."

Proud to meet with former Sudanese PM Hamdok today to discuss U.S. support for civilian initiatives to chart a new process to establish a civilian-led democratic transition. Agreed on the need to support an inclusive and transparent process that represents the full diversity of… pic.twitter.com/gVDxBGtabd

— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) July 10, 2023

The tweet is timestamped 9:03 10 July 2023. 

Note, Dr Hamdok was born in South Kordofan, Sudan and currently resides in the UAE. He was educated at the University of Khartoum in Sudan and the University of Manchester in England, UK. He married fellow economist Muna Abdalla in 1993 in south Manchester. They have two sons; one studying at Exeter University in England, UK as of 2019 and one who graduated from a university in the US in the late 2010s. [Source: Wikipedia]

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Chadian president meets Darfur Governor Minnawi, N. Darfur Governor, Sudan's Finance Minister Ibrahim

Report from Darfur 24

Published Saturday 08 July 2023, 4:31 pm - excerpt:

Chadian president meets leaders of Sudan’s Armed struggle movements

Ndjamena, July 8 (Darfur 24) - Governor of Darfur region, Mini Arko Minnawi and governor of North Darfur state Nimir Mohamed Abdelrahman arrived Friday in the Chadian capital Ndjamena, at a request of Chadian president Mohamed Idriss Deby.

Another delegation of Sudanese politicians, including Dr. Alhadi Idriss, Altahir Hajar and Gibril Ibrahim had earlier arrived in Ndjamena..

North Darfur governor, Nimir Abdulrahman told Darfur 24 that their visit to Ndjamena had nothing to do with the political and civil agitation of some Sudanese political forces.

Nimir explained that the visit comes within a framework of invitation extended to the leaders of the armed struggle movements by the Chadian president, Mohamed Idriss Deby. [...]

View original: https://www.darfur24.com/en/2023/07/08/chadian-president-meets-leaders-of-sudans-armed-struggle-movements/

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Sudan's fugitive NCP veteran Karti ready to pounce

Report at Africa Intelligence - www.africaintelligence.com
By Antoine Galindo, Augustine Passilly
Published on 10 July 2023 at 04:40 GMT - excerpt:

Fugitive NCP veteran Ali Karti ready to pounce from the shadows

Ali Ahmed Karti, once a devotee of the late Hassan Turabi and the unchallenged leader of Sudan's Islamic political movement, is one of the richest men in Sudan. After four years on the run, he has reappeared in the thick of the war between the regular army and a paramilitary force - and he intends to make the most of the opportunities this presents. [...]

From left: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Omar al-Bashir, Ali Karti and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. © Alexander Nemenov/Ashraf Shazly/Rabih Moghrabi/Khaled Desouki/AFP / El Tayeb Siddig/Reuters / Jurgita Vaicikeviciene/Alamy / Omar Marques/Getty via AFP / Studio Pachamama

View original: https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-africa-and-the-horn/2023/07/10/fugitive-ncp-veteran-ali-karti-ready-to-pounce-from-the-shadows,110001688-ge0

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Egypt-UK: Cairo-Manchester airline launched

Report from SIS (Egypt State Information Service)
Published Saturday، 15 July 2023, 05:15 PM - here is a full copy:

Minister: Cairo-Manchester airline launched

Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas said operating Cairo-Manchester airline underlines the depth of the Egyptian-UK relations.

This came during the departure of the first flight from Cairo to Manchester.

Abbas said this brings the number of EgyptAir flights to the UK to 20 weekly flights; 14 flights to London, five Manchester, and one flight from Luxor to Heathrow.

the minister noted that EgyptAir launched this year several new lines, like Dhaka in Bangladesh, New York in the US and now Manchester in the UK.

He said a new New Delhi airline will be operated soon alongside several other airlines. MENA

View original: https://sis.gov.eg/Story/183694/Minister-Cairo-Manchester-airline-launched

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Sudan crisis: Is Hemeti dead or alive or what?

HERE is a copy of a tweet dated Monday 17 July 2023 at Twitter account Mohamed Hamdan Daglo @GeneralDagllo. It contains a voice message claiming to be Hemeti. Is he dead or alive or in Chad or what? Why's no-one saying? His toe rag rebels are on the loose and out of control, many captured on film look young and high, excitedly looting to survive. In desperation, they killed some animals in a zoo on the outskirts of Khartoum and took them away to eat. How are they paid? If they're not paid what will become of them? There's very little hard news coming out of Sudan. It's difficult to ascertain what is going on and how bad things are, especially in Khartoum, Blue Nile State and South Kordofan. 

What is clear is this: an army of men are jetting around the globe in their best suits enjoying VIP treatment, all expenses paid, having photos taken with VIPs to show off at home. Let's hope they've now rolled up their sleeves and are working as hard and fast as humanly possible to help save Sudan.

كلمتي الى جماهير شعبنا العظيم في جميع انحاء الوطن وللأشاوس في ميادين القتال pic.twitter.com/fBgSVKE1mW

— Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (@GeneralDagllo) July 17, 2023

The tweet is timestamped 5:30 PM · Jul 17, 2023. Note, someone posted this witty comment at the tweet: How is the treatment in the grave.

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China sends emergency humanitarian aid to Sudan

Report from China View - www.chinaview.cn
Source: Xinhua. Editor: huaxia
Published Monday 17 July 2023; 18:58:45 - here is a full copy:

China sends emergency humanitarian aid to Sudan

BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) -- A batch of medical supplies departed from Shanghai on Saturday, as part of the Chinese government's 10 million yuan (about 1.39 million U.S. dollars) humanitarian emergency aid to Sudan, according to information released by the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Since the outbreak of armed conflicts in Sudan, the Chinese government has paid close attention to its humanitarian situation, and decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the country. It mainly includes 939 tonnes of rice and medical supplies such as examination gloves, gauze bandages, disposable surgical gowns and medical hats.

The rice is being processed and packed and will be sent to Sudan as soon as possible, according to the agency.

View original: http://www.chinaview.cn/20230717/4c2d4b04b26d4458b52fafd11880090e/c.html

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Sudan crisis: RSF's new committee has 4 members

HERE is a copy of a tweet posted Saturday 15 July 2023 at the Twitter account Mohamed Hamdan Daglo @GeneralDagllo:

"In adherence to the fundamental principle of dialogue as an essential prerequisite for achieving a comprehensive political resolution and in light of the prevailing developments resulting from the ongoing war in our country, the resolution I have issued is as follows:

Establishment of a Committee

As a result of this decision, a committee chaired by Mr. Yousif Izzat shall be established. This committee is called the "Committee for Liaisoning with Political and Community Forces and Armed Struggle Movements." The members of the committee will be:

a. Lana Mahdi;

b. Balla Mohammed;

c. Fatima Ali.

Responsibilities of the Committee

The committee shall carry out the following tasks: 

- Engage in extensive consultations concerning the enduring Sudanese crisis, the ongoing war, and the most effective approach toward achieving a comprehensive solution that addresses the deep-rooted issues of the crisis. These consultations shall involve the participation of all political, youth, and societal forces;

- The committee shall solicit the assistance of those whom it deems appropriate."

Note, the tweet is timestamped 9:19 PM · Jul 15, 2023

View original:  https://twitter.com/GeneralDagllo/status/1680311223043125249

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Sudan crisis: WFP has launched international airbridges into Port Sudan with a regular service from Nairobi and Amman using two dedicated aircraft

THIS WFP Supply Chain tweet says: “In response to the recent emergency in #Sudan, @WFP_UNHAS has launched international airbridges into #PortSudan with a regular service from #Nairobi and #Amman, utilizing two dedicated aircraft.”

🚨 In response to the recent emergency in #Sudan, @WFP_UNHAS has launched international airbridges into #PortSudan with a regular service from #Nairobi and #Amman, utilizing two dedicated aircraft ✈✈ pic.twitter.com/PqIV2KOiWx

— WFP Supply Chain (@WFPSupplyChain) July 17, 2023

The tweet is timestamped 8:51 AM · Jul 17, 2023.

Post script from Sudan Watch Editor: 

UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) managed by 

World Food Program (WFP), offers safe, reliable and effective passenger and light cargo air transport for the humanitarian community to access people in need. Source: wfp.org/unhas

PPS. Big warm hello to longtime Sudan watcher cw! This post made me think of you, wondering how you’re managing work after evacuation. Stay safe.

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