Representatives from the Coordination of Democratic Civilian Forces (Taqaddam) engaged in discussions with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Addis Ababa on Monday, aiming to explore the potential for a ceasefire.
The meeting, initiating the first direct talks between pro-democracy political and civil groups and Dagalo since the conflict began in Sudan in mid-April, commenced on Monday and is set to continue into Tuesday.
Gaafar Hassan Osman, spokesperson for the Forces for Freedom and Change coalition, outlined the primary focus of discussions, centering on three crucial aspects: an immediate halt to hostilities to safeguard civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid distribution; a comprehensive political framework to resolve the conflict and establish a stable Sudanese state, encompassing reforms within the Sudanese armed forces; and the implementation of effective mechanisms to ensure agreements are upheld.
The Monday’s meeting concluded by forming a joint technical committee to analyze the proposed roadmap and principles set by the civilian coalition, with further discussions scheduled for Tuesday.
Before the meeting, in a video marking Sudan’s Independence Day, Dagalo denied RSF involvement in widespread violations in Al-Jazirah State and urged the Sudanese army to acknowledge defeat and cease hostilities to facilitate a negotiated settlement.
