Saudi Arabia has ramped up its diplomatic efforts to mitigate the situation in Sudan, in addition to helping in evacuating thousands of nationals from over 100 countries via the Port Sudan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in phone conversations on Wednesday with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
They discussed ongoing efforts to halt military escalation and violence in Sudan, while providing essential protection for civilians to ensure the country’s safety, stability, and prosperity.
Two days ago, the Saudi top diplomat had discussed the Sudanese crisis and possible solutions with the chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki.
According to reliable sources in Khartoum, efforts have intensified to convene consultation sessions in the Saudi city of Jeddah aimed at resolving the Sudanese issue by bringing together various factions.
Meanwhile, an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Jeddah, at the invitation of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the situation in Sudan.
The final statement, which emphasized the importance of preserving Sudan’s security, stability, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, included 16 points and called for the North African country to be spared from external interference.
OIC Chief Hissein Brahim Taha stated that the organization will act on the recommendations of its member states, including the possibility of sending a high-level delegation to Sudan at the appropriate time.
Khalid Omer Youssif, a spokesman of Sudan’s political process, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the “US-Saudi initiative has made significant progress in extending the ongoing humanitarian ceasefire and organizing a direct meeting to achieve a permanent end to hostilities, which will pave the way for a comprehensive political solution.”
He further mentioned that the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) wholeheartedly supports this initiative as a genuine opportunity to bring an end to the war.
In the heart of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, near the presidential palace, there were violent and deadly clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Before the fierce battles erupted, loud explosions were heard, accompanied by thick plumes of smoke rising into the city’s sky, while military planes continued to fly over different parts of Khartoum.
Meanwhile, widespread condemnations have been issued by Gulf, Arab, and Islamic countries following the storming of the Saudi cultural attaché building in Khartoum. They emphasized the importance of respecting international agreements and diplomatic norms that guarantee the inviolability and safety of diplomatic missions.
Sudan truce efforts in tatters as fighting rages on
Gunfire and explosions gripped Khartoum for a 20th straight day Thursday leaving the latest ceasefire effort in tatters, a day after UN chief Antonio Guterres acknowledged the international community had “failed” Sudan.
As the latest ceasefire expired at midnight Wednesday, the regular army said it was ready to abide by a new seven-day truce agreed with South Sudanese mediators, but there was no word from its foes in the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In Khartoum, witnesses reported loud explosions and exchanges of fire on the streets around dawn.
Deadly urban combat broke out on April 15 between Sudan’s de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who commands the regular army, and his deputy turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the RSF.
