Saudi Arabia: Sudanese Parties Agree on Confidence-Building Measures

Saudi Arabia, along with the United States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), announced the commitment of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to take steps to facilitate increased humanitarian aid and implement confidence-building measures.

According to a statement released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Jeddah talks focus on specific topics to ease the delivery of humanitarian assistance, achieve a ceasefire, and other trust-building steps to prepare for a permanent cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

Following the "Jeddah Declaration for the Protection of Civilians in Sudan" (issued on May 11, 2023), both military forces commit to the following:

1. Engaging in a joint humanitarian mechanism led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to address obstacles in delivering relief aid.

2. Establishing contact points to facilitate the movement and transit of humanitarian workers and assistance.

3. Implementing trust-building measures regarding:

* Establishing a communication mechanism between the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

* Detaining prison escapees.

* Improving the media content of both parties and moderating media language.

* Taking action against parties that escalate or provoke conflict.

These measures are to be implemented in parallel.

Both parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, have affirmed their individual commitment to facilitating the passage of humanitarian aid for both sides.

The statement indicates that these commitments are an important step to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, contributing to the alleviation of the suffering of the Sudanese people. 

Now, it is up to both forces to fully uphold their responsibilities to implement the agreed-upon terms.

The statement concludes with the facilitators expressing regret over the parties' failure to reach an agreement on a ceasefire during this initial round. 

They reiterate that there is no acceptable military solution to the conflict and urge both forces to prioritize the welfare of the Sudanese people, lay down their arms, and engage in negotiations to end the conflict.