Sudan’s Army Chief Endorses Turkish Initiative for Peace Negotiations
Sudan’s Army Chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has welcomed a Turkish initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing 20-month conflict with his paramilitary rivals, supported by Foreign Minister Ali Youssef. Turkish President Erdogan expressed readiness to mediate disputes and establish peace in the war-torn nation. The conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises and requires coordinated efforts from regional actors to achieve a resolution.
In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the Chief of Sudan’s Army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has expressed his support for a Turkish proposal aimed at fostering peace. This announcement was made by Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, following a meeting in Port Sudan. The potential reconciliation initiative was discussed after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reached out to Burhan in December, offering Turkey’s assistance to restore stability within the war-affected nation.
During the meeting, Burhan requested that Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Burhanettin Duran, convey to President Erdogan the Sudanese leadership’s endorsement of the initiative. Foreign Minister Youssef emphasized the importance of Turkey’s role, stating, “Sudan needs brothers and friends like Turkey,” and suggested that the initiative could pave the way for genuine peace.
Erdogan’s December phone call highlighted Turkey’s readiness to mediate disputes involving Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to negate external interferences. There have been allegations against the UAE for allegedly supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which the Emirati government has firmly denied. Recently, Sudan accused the RSF of utilizing drones allegedly assembled by the UAE.
Following the discussions, Deputy Foreign Minister Duran indicated Turkey’s commitment to a collaborative endeavor, stating that the peace process requires coordinated efforts and that Turkey is willing to engage other regional stakeholders to assist in resolving the ongoing crisis. The UAE’s foreign ministry has shown openness to work alongside Turkey in diplomatic endeavors targeting an end to the conflict, reiterating its preparedness to cooperate in diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive resolution.
The conflict, which has seen a power struggle between Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has led to immense human suffering, including the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of 12 million individuals. The situation has been exacerbated by escalating famine, with analysts warning that foreign military involvement may only extend the humanitarian crisis.
The conflict in Sudan, ignited by political power struggles, particularly between Sudan’s Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo of the RSF, has persisted for 20 months. This violence has resulted in widespread casualties and displacements, exacerbating humanitarian issues, including famine. The role of external actors, particularly Turkey and the UAE, has become increasingly significant as they navigate the complexities of diplomatic engagement in an effort to restore peace in the region. Turkey’s recent offer to mediate represents an important dimension in the search for diplomatic solutions, as it seeks to stabilize Sudan and prevent further chaos from external influences.
The recent welcome by Sudan’s Army Chief to Turkey’s mediation proposal signifies a potential shift towards diplomatic resolution of the enduring conflict in Sudan. With considerable regional implications, both Turkey and the UAE have expressed commitment to aid in stabilizing the situation. The dire humanitarian conditions resulting from this conflict underscore the urgency of concerted efforts to achieve peace, as regional leaders recognize the necessity of collaboration to address the ongoing turmoil.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
