Amid international calls for mediation to end the conflict in Sudan that has killed hundreds, Saudi Arabia has stepped in to host peace talks. After several ceasefires were violated, the army factions will engage in face-to-face-talks for the first time in Jeddah on Saturday, according to reports.
In a joint statement, Saudi Arabia and the US welcomed the 'pre-negotiation' talks between the Sudanese army and its rival—the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF). Saudi Arabia's initiative is first such attempt at ending the month-long conflict that has crippled the Sudanese government, and caused thousands of refugees to seek shelter abroad.
Reuters reported that though the Sudan army, headed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has sent their delegates to Jeddah, militia leader Hemedti's RSF has offered no confirmation. White House security adviser Jake Sullivan will also be present at the talks, along with Saudi leaders. Warring factions have agreed to discuss a 'humanitarian truce' and not an end to the war. According to the figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, the fighting in the capital of Khartoum has killed over 700 people. The International Organisation for Migration says, more than 115,000 have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
Saudi Arabia's role
Ever since the conflict suddenly broke out, Saudi Arabia, geographically positioned across the Red Sea from Sudan, has been at the heart of efforts to evacuate foreign citizens. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has had close ties to Burhan and Hemedti, both of whom sent troops to help the Saudi-led coalition in its war against the Houthi group in Yemen, Reuters stated. With the help of the US, Saudi had mediated a brief truce between the warring armies recently.
As it takes on the role of a mediator, the diplomatic effort is one among Saudi's multiple moves to revamp its global image of being conservative and combative player. It started with the recent mending of ties with long-time rival Iran. And now in a peacemaking role, Riyadh aims to secure regional stability in the region, which in turn is pivotal for the country's economic growth and security.
“Saudi Arabia is seeking to assert itself more and more on the international stage through mediation and raising its diplomatic profile,” Anna Jacobs, senior analyst with International Crisis Group think tank, told CNN.
