WASHINGTON: US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, is scheduled to embark on a crucial diplomatic mission to Addis Ababa Monday with a purpose to engage with African leaders and Sudanese civilian parties, seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The State Department announced this significant endeavour Sunday, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation. Thus far, attempts at diplomatic intervention to halt the hostilities between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have proven futile.
In fact, the existence of competing initiatives has only served to sow confusion and uncertainty regarding the most effective approach to bring the warring factions to the negotiation table, according to Arab News.
In light of the persisting deadlock, Egypt has announced its intention to convene a summit of Sudan’s neighbouring nations on July 13. The purpose of this gathering is to deliberate on viable strategies to bring an end to the conflict that has plagued Sudan for too long.
Previous talks hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and facilitated by the United States and Saudi Arabia themselves, were unfortunately suspended last month. Meanwhile, a mediation effort spearheaded by East African countries faced significant criticism from the Sudanese army, which accused Kenya of displaying bias.
The repercussions of this protracted conflict continue to reverberate on the ground. As Sunday unfolded, reports emerged of ongoing clashes between the army and the RSF in El Obeid, situated southwest of Khartoum. Simultaneously, confrontations persisted in the southern region of the capital, exacerbating the already precarious situation faced by the populace.
Furthermore, Khartoum International Airport released an announcement indicating the extension of the country’s airspace closure until July 31. Only humanitarian aid and evacuation flights, authorized by the appropriate authorities, will be granted an exemption from this restriction. This development underscores the severity of the situation and the pressing need for urgent resolution.
In light of these distressing circumstances, the US State Department issued a compelling statement calling upon the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately cease all hostilities and return to their barracks. Additionally, the State Department urged both parties to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Furthermore, unhindered access to humanitarian aid must be granted to address the pressing emergency needs of the civilian population.
During her visit, Assistant Secretary Phee intends to engage with Sudanese civilians and hold meetings with esteemed representatives from regional governments, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development of the East African bloc, and the African Union Commission. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment of the United States to facilitate a resolution to the Sudanese conflict and its dedication to promoting stability and peace in the region.