In a bid to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the country’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), embarked on a regional tour, culminating in talks with Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday.
President Ruto commended Dagalo and the RSF for their commitment to ending the conflict through dialogue. He emphasized the significance of ongoing peace talks under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an eight-nation East African bloc.
“The IGAD talks should pave the way for a lasting political settlement,” Ruto stated.
IGAD has been actively mediating between Dagalo and his rival, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Notably, the warring generals haven’t met face-to-face since the conflict began, which has claimed over 12,000 lives and displaced millions.
Dagalo’s regional tour included visits to Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Uganda, reiterating his dedication to ending the conflict.
Djibouti, assuming the IGAD chair next week, will host a crucial meeting between Sudanese stakeholders, laying the groundwork for further dialogue.
A previous meeting planned for December 28th was postponed to early January for technical reasons. This highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the ceasefire efforts.
The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating violence in Sudan. The UN Security Council warned of the conflict’s spread and urged immediate action to protect civilians.
As of November, over 12,000 lives have been lost, according to conservative estimates. The war has internally displaced over 7 million people and forced another 1.5 million to flee to neighboring countries.
Dagalo’s regional tour and Kenya’s commitment to dialogue offer a glimmer of hope for a potential ceasefire. However, bridging the divide between rival leaders and achieving a lasting peace will remain a complex and challenging task.
