Armed groups converge in Cairo to discuss ceasing hostilities in Darfur

January 22, 2024 (CAIRO) – Armed movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement are gathering in Cairo for a workshop to discuss the possibility of reaching a ceasefire in Darfur and reducing tensions in the region.

The workshop, organized by the French organization Premediation in collaboration with the French and Egyptian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, was initially scheduled to include representatives from the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sources close to the workshop revealed that the Sudanese army had reservations about attending, while the RSF initially expressed their approval. However, as of late Monday evening, there was no confirmation of their representatives’ arrival in Cairo.

The RSF, a paramilitary group that controls four out of five states in Darfur, has been engaged in fierce clashes with the Sudanese army since October 2023.

The workshop will focus on two key topics: 1) achieving a ceasefire in Darfur and 2) establishing a joint committee between the military authorities in the region to reduce 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. Additionally, Seif al-Din Issa, Advisor to the President of the Sudan Liberation Movement Transitional Council (SLM-TC, is also participating.

However, the participation of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Arko Minawi remains uncertain. While the Justice and Equality Movement led by Gibril Ibrahim decided to boycott the meeting.

Hassan Ibrahim Fadl, JEM Spokesman acknowledged their invitation to the workshop but expressed their regret for not attending. In a statement on Monday night, he explained that the JEM decided to withdraw after learning that the RSF was invited to participate in the meeting.

The groups said that the RSF should implement the Jeddah Declaration to Cessation of Hostilities, signed on May 11, 2023, which stipulates the withdrawal of the paramilitary group from civilian areas.

From November 21-23, 2023, Promediation convened a meeting in Addis Ababa to discuss Darfur’s peace process. The workshop involved 20 participants from Darfur’s armed groups and political parties, including all signatory movements of the Juba Peace Agreement and several non-signatory movements.

(ST)