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 Reviews Prophet’s Mosque Security ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz conducted an inspection tour of the Security Operations Center at the Prophet's Mosque. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz conducted an inspection tour of the Security Operations Center at the Prophet's Mosque. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Minister Reviews Prophet’s Mosque Security ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz conducted an inspection tour of the Security Operations Center at the Prophet's Mosque. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz conducted an inspection tour of the Security Operations Center at the Prophet's Mosque. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz conducted an inspection tour on Saturday of the Security Operations Center at the Prophet's Mosque ahead of the annual Hajj. He reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and smooth movement of worshippers.
Accompanied by the Governor of the Medina Region, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the interior minister was briefed on the center's functions.
The center utilizes top-tier technology to monitor worshipper movement and manage crowd flow within the mosque and its surrounding courtyards.
During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud praised the efforts of the center's staff to serve visitors and worshippers.