Saudi Arabia Hopes Parties to Sudan Conflict will Adhere to Jeddah Declaration

Representatives of the two parties to the Sudanese conflict during the signing of the Jeddah Agreement in May 2023 (Reuters)
Representatives of the two parties to the Sudanese conflict during the signing of the Jeddah Agreement in May 2023 (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Hopes Parties to Sudan Conflict will Adhere to Jeddah Declaration

Representatives of the two parties to the Sudanese conflict during the signing of the Jeddah Agreement in May 2023 (Reuters)
Representatives of the two parties to the Sudanese conflict during the signing of the Jeddah Agreement in May 2023 (Reuters)

The two parties to the conflict in Sudan have resumed their negotiations in the Saudi city of Jeddah, with the aim of ending the war that has been ongoing for more than six months, and which has claimed the lives of thousands and caused the displacement of millions of citizens.

Since April 15, the conflict between the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has led to the death of more than 9,000 people, according to the United Nations figures, and the displacement of more than 5.6 million people inside the country or in neighboring states.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Riyadh welcomes the resumption of talks between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Jeddah, facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States. On Wednesday, both parties to the conflict confirmed their acceptance of an invitation to restart negotiations, but the army stressed that this move “does not mean stopping the battle for national dignity.”

The RSF expressed hope that the delegation representing the other side “has come to Jeddah united and independent from the dictates of the National Congress Party (the ruling party during the era of former President Omar al-Bashir).”

So far, all mediation attempts, including US-Saudi endeavor, have not succeeded in achieving any progress on the path to stopping the war, but only led to short ceasefire periods.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said that the Kingdom urges the negotiators to abide by the Jeddah Declaration, which was announced on May 11 to protect civilians, as well as a short-term ceasefire agreement signed on May 20.

“The Kingdom affirms its keenness on unity of ranks ... to stop the bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people,” the statement added.

Representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Eastern Africa, which is led by Kenya, are also participating in the Jeddah negotiations.

Kholood Khair, founder of the Confluence Advisory Research Center in Khartoum, believes that the two sides of the conflict were not yet satisfied with the war. On Thursday, she wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the decision to revive the talks was based on the assumption that the army and the Rapid Support Forces had had enough of fighting due to the imminent collapse of the state, suffering and misery.

She added that the two sides were not yet satisfied, as neither of them cared about the human costs of waging this war.

As the talks resumed on Thursday, eyewitnesses reported fighting in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state. The RSF announced that its fighters had “completely” taken control of the army positions in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, and the second largest city in Sudan in terms of population, which may constitute a turning point in the war.

The army was able to protect its main bases in Khartoum, despite the deployment of the RSF in most parts of the capital. At the same time, the government moved most of its headquarters to Port Sudan, on the Red Sea coast.



Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received in Riyadh on Wednesday his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi.

They reviewed the strong bilateral relations between their countries and ways to boost them across various fields.

They also addressed the latest developments in the region and the importance of continuing efforts to achieve security and stability.


OIC Condemns Israeli Decision to Ban 37 Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

 The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
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OIC Condemns Israeli Decision to Ban 37 Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

 The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s decision to prevent 37 international non-governmental organizations operating in the humanitarian and health sectors from carrying out their activities in Gaza.

The Secretariat stressed that these organizations “play an indispensable role in alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza.”

The OIC General Secretariat “warned of the grave consequences of this arbitrary measure, which is likely to dangerously exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions that hinder the entry of sufficient humanitarian and medical aid.”

It deemed the Israeli decision as “illegal and a “blatant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which obliges the Israel to facilitate the work of international and humanitarian organizations and to allow the adequate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.”

The OIC General Secretariat called on the international community “to take the necessary measures and exert effective pressure on Israeli authorities to reverse this decision, ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, and guarantee the freedom of humanitarian organizations to operate without restriction throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.”


Gulf Countries, OIC Say Security of Saudi Arabia and GCC States Integral to Region

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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Gulf Countries, OIC Say Security of Saudi Arabia and GCC States Integral to Region

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)

Qatar announced that it is following with great interest the ongoing developments and events in Yemen, reiterating its full support for the legitimate Yemeni government and the importance of preserving Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, safeguarding the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people, and achieving their aspirations for security, stability, and development.

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council states is integral to the security of Qatar, stemming from the deep-rooted brotherly ties and shared destiny that unite the GCC countries.

The ministry commended the statements issued by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, noting that they reflect a commitment to prioritizing the region’s interests, boosting the principles of good neighborliness, and adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Qatar will remain at the forefront of countries supporting efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy as the optimal path to achieving prosperity, security, and stability for the region and its peoples, stressed the ministry.

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued a similar statement, saying the security of Saudi Arabia and GCC states is a fundamental pillar of Gulf collective security, rooted in the bonds of brotherhood and shared destiny among them.

It expressed continued support for regional and international efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and peace, emphasizing diplomacy as the most effective path to achieving security, stability, and lasting peace in the region.

Bahrain, chair of the current session of the GCC, praised the “pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in supporting the security and stability of Yemen, stemming from their brotherly responsibilities and shared commitment to the security and stability of the Gulf region within the GCC framework.” 

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its “confidence in the wisdom of the leaderships of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and in their ability to contain any differences within the framework of the GCC, in line with the principles of the GCC based on solidarity, mutual understanding, and unity, serving the shared aspirations to instill security, stability, peace, and prosperity for the benefit of the region and its peoples.” 

The ministry reiterated Bahrain’s “firm and supportive stance toward all regional and international initiatives and efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting political solution in Yemen, in accordance with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” 

Jordan also praised Saudi Arabia and the UAE's roles in supporting Yemen.

OIC

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha underlined the organization’s firm stance in support of Yemen, its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.  

He reiterated the OIC’s categorical rejection of any actions or attempts that would undermine Yemen’s unity or compromise its constitutional legitimacy and national institutions, in light of recent developments in the country. 

He renewed the OIC’s full support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council. He stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening state institutions in order to realize the Yemeni people’s aspirations for security, stability, and development. 

Taha condemned any actions or practices by the Southern Transitional Council that pose a direct threat to Yemen’s unity, undermine peace efforts, and prolong the conflict.  

“Any disruption to Yemen’s security and stability also threatens peace and security across the region,” he warned. 

He welcomed the announcement of the UAE’s withdrawal of forces from Yemen, describing it as a “constructive step that supports de-escalation efforts and spares the blood of the Yemeni people.” 

He further stressed that the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia “constitute inviolable red lines.” 

“Any threat to the Kingdom’s security is a direct threat to the security of the entire region and the Islamic world,” Taha added, underscoring the OIC’s “full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to safeguard its national security.” 

He stressed “the need to continue supporting political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Yemeni crisis.” 

He called on all Yemeni parties “to uphold legitimacy, renounce violence, and prioritize dialogue and the higher interests of Yemen and its people, in order to achieve security, stability, and development while preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”