UAE not sabotaging Sudan mediation talks, South Sudan claims

KHARTOUM - The government of South Sudan has refuted claims that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is silently sabotaging Sudan mediation talks, following a conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).

Juba says the allegations against Abu Dhabi are 'false' while calling for accountability from both sides. The government of South Sudan has been spearheading mediation talks, with the world closely monitoring the progress which has been made so far.

Mubarak Ardol, a prominent member of the FFC Democratic Bloc and former SPLM-N spokesperson, claimed on Facebook that a UAE official visited rebel-controlled areas in South Kordofan after being in Juba. Ardol suggested the visiting official vowed to undermine the agreement reached by Kabbashi and al-Hilu on the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid to these regions, Sudan Tribune reports.

Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goch, South Sudan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said there was no interference in humanitarian assistance across the northern African nation which is battling with internal conflicts.

“Since Thursday, the parties have been meeting and holding discussions freely. There have been no indications of foreign interference or language suggesting outside influence,” said Minister Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goch.

He praised Sudanese leaders for prioritizing the people’s interests over politics. He highlighted the military leadership’s decision to seek South Sudan’s government intervention to mediate a ceasefire agreement with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdel Aziz Adam Al-Hilu.

According to him, the ongoing mediation talks are positive and have yielded immense outcomes, adding that progress has been made in the entire process that was initiated by the Transitional Council.

“What is happening is commendable. It is an initiative of the Sudanese leaders, and we have only provided security and the venue. They have taken charge of the entire process and are holding discussions as brothers and sisters. That is all we see,” explained Goch.

Tut Gatluak, South Sudan’s Presidential Adviser on National Security Affairs, who chairs the mediation committee, also praised the process. He noted the positive response from the people, who have expressed their happiness at the parties’ decision to cease fighting and seek a political settlement through peaceful dialogue.

“Since Thursday, when we convened the first session of the dialogue, many Sudanese here have expressed their happiness. This is a clear indication that people are looking for peace and stability to return to Sudan. Indeed, the war in Sudan has affected everyone, including us in South Sudan,” said Gatluak.

He added, “We believe the military option is not a solution to Sudan’s internal problems.”

Gatluak called on the international community to support the people of Sudan in implementing the outcomes of the current process with political backing and resources to aid the peace process, the Sudan Tribune adds.

GAROWE ONLINE