Jeddah Talks: Sudan Army, RSF Agree to Protect Civilians

Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS
Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS
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Jeddah Talks: Sudan Army, RSF Agree to Protect Civilians

Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS
Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS

Representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed in Jeddah a declaration commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, Saudi Arabia and the US announced in a statement on Friday.

The declaration of commitment recognizes the obligations of both sides, under international humanitarian and human rights law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the emergency needs of civilians, it said.
The declaration of commitment will guide the conduct of the two forces to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of essential services, the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and clinics, and the respectful burial of the dead.

Following the signing, the Jeddah Talks will focus on reaching agreement on an effective ceasefire of up to approximately ten days to facilitate these activities. The security measures will include a US-Saudi and international-supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
In line with the step-by-step approach agreed by the parties, the Jeddah Talks will address proposed arrangement for subsequent talks - with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners - on a permanent cessation of hostilities.

In consultation with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, the facilitators said they looked forward to discussions with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners about participation in subsequent rounds of talks.



Saudi Interior Minister Meets with Algerian President

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met on Thursday with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers. SPA
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met on Thursday with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers. SPA
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Saudi Interior Minister Meets with Algerian President

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met on Thursday with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers. SPA
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met on Thursday with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers. SPA

Upon the directive of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met on Thursday with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and security cooperation between the two countries.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed best wishes from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince to Tebboune, expressing hopes for Algeria's continued success and prosperity.
Several officials from both sides attended the meeting.