Sudan: Darfur Armed Movements meets in Cairo for ceasefire talks

The Armed Movements, who are signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, are assembling in Cairo for a workshop aimed at exploring the prospects of a ceasefire in Darfur and mitigating tensions in the region.

The workshop, a collaboration between the French organization Premediation and the France and Egypt Ministries of Foreign Affairs, was originally intended to include representatives from the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A source revealed reservations from the Sudanese army about their attendance, while the RSF initially expressed approval. However, as of late Monday evening, there was no confirmation regarding the arrival of their representatives in Cairo.

The workshop is to focus on achieving a ceasefire in Darfur and establishing a joint committee between military authorities in the region to diminish tensions and promote coordination.

Among the armed movements attending the workshop are the Secretary of Presidential Affairs of the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces, Brigadier General Mubarak Bakhit, and the Vice President of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), led by Suleiman Sandal, Gibril Adam Bilal, and Seif al-Din Issa, Advisor to the President of the Sudan Liberation Movement Transitional Council (SLM-TC).

In a statement released on Monday night, JEM Spokesman Hassan Ibrahim Fadl, explained that the JEM acknowledged their invitation to the workshop but decided to withdraw after learning that the RSF was invited to participate in the meeting.

The groups called for the RSF implementation of the Jeddah Declaration to Cessation of Hostilities, signed on May 11, 2023, which stipulates the withdrawal of the paramilitary group from civilian areas.