Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Peace Negotiation Delegation is participating in a two-day workshop titled “Wars and Prospects for Building a NewThe State in Sudan: Challenges and Possible Pathways.”
The event, scheduled for December 6-7, 2024, is taking place in The Hague.
The workshop comes at a critical juncture, as Sudan’s devastating civil war enters its 18th month. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s (SAF) continue their assault on civilians, prompting widespread international condemnation.
Speaking at the workshop RSF representative Ergani said, that this war should be Sudan’s last war, and to speak about the future of Sudan, we must first acknowledge the past and hold those who are still alive accountable.
“We need to speak about historical justice. We should not speak about transitional justice. So I think many people have wronged our country and we need to acknowledge that. But we need to move forward and we need to rebuild the country.”
Ergani spoke about the signing of two important documents aimed at ending the conflict, the Manama and Jeddah agreements.
The Jeddah declaration primarily focuses on ensuring access to humanitarian assistance and protecting civilians. It is a crucial document for the future as it lays the groundwork for any upcoming negotiations, RSF representative said.
“Another document was signed in Manama in January. This document we believe is the most important document in the current crisis.”
The Manama Agreement refers to a key document signed in January 2024, aimed at addressing Sudan’s ongoing conflict and providing a roadmap for peace and stability. The agreement, negotiated between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), outlines 21 principles designed to guide Sudan’s transition towards a peaceful, democratic future.
“The first point of that declaration of principles in Manama is that the unity of Sudan and its people. That is the main point. And the second is that this conflict should end through peaceful talks and that there is no military solution to Sudan crisis.”
“Because the crisis, as I said, it is very rooted. It’s social, it’s political, it’s economic. And also, it is not a simple crisis that you can fix easily. And also, we need equal citizenship. That should be the basis for anyone to get leverage and also to get power. So that we believe that Sudanese people should be equal. And we speak about establishing a democratic state.”
RSF representative added that they believed the only system capable of effectively governing Sudan is a decentralized structure, which empowers regions to govern themselves and allows them to benefit from the country’s national resources.
“And also, we believe in establishing a security sector. When we speak about security sector, currently we have something called Sudanese Armed Forces. But it’s not protecting its people. This Sudanese Armed Forces is killing Sudanese people only from 1955.”
The agreement calls for the establishment of a new army, police, and intelligence services, alongside a commitment to historical justice and the rebuilding of civilian institutions, with all principles officially signed and not just for media attention, RSF representative said.
“Every Sudanese or anyone who’s concerned about having a solution for Sudan should put this document of Manama and Jeddah declaration as reference and as founding to the solution.”
“Because if these 21 principles only are met, the Sudan problem is fixed for good and we have no wars. And we are saying this war should be the last war,” RSF said.
“But if we want to move forward, we should know that there is nothing of army. There is Muslim Brotherhood controlling the army for 30 years, continuing to control Burhan himself. He is a puppet and he can’t make any decision without the Muslim Brotherhood.”
“So unless we figure out a solution, they will never come for peace talks. And we hope that the war will end soon. But there is no compromise in building a new Sudan,” RSF declared.
What is THPP?
The Hague Peace Projects (THPP) is a non-governmental organization based in The Hague, Netherlands, focused on promoting peace and human rights, especially in conflict zones. It works to provide a platform for grassroots organizations and individuals who are involved in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
THPP supports peace initiatives by connecting local actors to the international community, offering resources, and fostering dialogue.
The organization is also known for advocating for justice and accountability, especially in situations where human rights violations occur. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge between communities and policymakers, THPP aims to contribute to long-term peacebuilding efforts.
