The South African government has expressed its support for the commencement of pre-negotiation talks between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on May 6th, 2023. The talks have been facilitated and hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, and the African Union has also commended their efforts.
South Africa has emphasized the crucial role of the African Union and IGAD in the pre-negotiation and subsequent talks, in order to ensure long-lasting solutions to the challenges faced by Sudan. The country has also commended the role played by the President of South Sudan H.E Salva Kiir, African leaders, and others who have worked tirelessly to negotiate cease-fire agreements between the parties.
South Africa has stressed that the principle of African solutions to African problems should guide the negotiations, and hopes that the AU and IGAD will continue to play a central role in the current and subsequent talks. The country has reiterated its call for both parties to negotiate an agreement that would end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The South African government believes that a peaceful Sudan, led by a civilian government, is not only essential for Sudan but also for the broader region and the continent. The country’s support for the talks is in line with its commitment to promoting peace and stability in Africa, and it remains hopeful that a resolution to the conflict can be achieved through dialogue and negotiation.
