Sudanese Consultations in Cairo Focus on ‘Shortcomings’ of 2 Agreements

Sudanese military and civilian groups hold up signed documents of a framework agreement to end the political stalemate in Sudan (File photo: EPA)
Sudanese military and civilian groups hold up signed documents of a framework agreement to end the political stalemate in Sudan (File photo: EPA)
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Sudanese Consultations in Cairo Focus on ‘Shortcomings’ of 2 Agreements

Sudanese military and civilian groups hold up signed documents of a framework agreement to end the political stalemate in Sudan (File photo: EPA)
Sudanese military and civilian groups hold up signed documents of a framework agreement to end the political stalemate in Sudan (File photo: EPA)

Sudanese political and civil forces continued their consultations in Cairo within the framework of the workshop on the "Prospects of Democratic Transformation towards a Sudan for All," with the participation of dozens of Sudanese figures.

Informed Egyptian sources revealed that the consultations resulted in several agreements between the parties on essential items not covered by the Juba Agreement or the framework agreement signed last December to end the stalemate.

The sources explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the main issues that require an in-depth discussion include the peace agreement, transitional justice, security and military reform, resolving the eastern Sudan crisis, and dismantling the regime of former President Omar al-Bashir.

They warned that postponing reaching an agreement on these issues is not an option for solving the country's problems.

According to the preannounced schedule, the Cairo consultations will conclude on Tuesday, and the Sudanese forces will present their final vision in a comprehensive declaration on Wednesday.

However, the sources made it clear that the Sudanese forces are the only ones entitled to announce what they deem suitable to their agreement within a flexible timeframe.

The Juba Peace Agreement, signed more than two years ago, was expected to end the decades-long armed conflict in the country, but nothing has been achieved amid calls for its amendment or cancellation.

Many Sudanese forces refused to sign the framework agreement last December between the civil and military components, stressing that the agreement in its current form cannot lead to a national accord.

The forces warned that any government formed according to the agreement would not last, while the accord signatories considered it an essential step in the democratic transition in Sudan.

Informed Egyptian sources indicated that the Sudanese consultations witnessed a broad consensus on the need for amending the framework agreement, noting that the parties are still discussing going into the details of those amendments.

The sources expected the parties to settle many outstanding issues soon.



Palestinian Authority Says Internet Down in Gaza After Attack on Fibre Optic Cable

Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed
Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed
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Palestinian Authority Says Internet Down in Gaza After Attack on Fibre Optic Cable

Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed
Palestinians charge their mobile phones from a point powered by solar panels provided by Adel Shaheen, an owner of an electric appliances shop, as electricity remains cut during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed

The Palestinian Authority said internet and fixed-line communication services were down in Gaza on Thursday following an attack on the territory's last fibre optic cable it blamed on Israel.

"All internet and fixed-line communication services in the Gaza Strip have been cut following the targeting of the last remaining main fibre optic line in Gaza," the PA's telecommunications ministry said in a statement, accusing Israel of attempting to cut Gaza off from the world, AFP reported.

"The southern and central Gaza Strip have now joined Gaza City and the northern part of the Strip in experiencing complete isolation for the second consecutive day," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that its maintenance and repair teams had been unable to safely access the sites where damage occurred to the fibre optic cable.

"The Israeli occupation continues to prevent technical teams from repairing the cables that were cut yesterday", it said, adding that Israeli authorities had prevented repairs to other telecommunication lines in Gaza "for weeks and months".

The Palestinian Red Crescent said the communication lines were "directly targeted by occupation forces".

It said the internet outage was hindering its emergency services by impeding communication with first responder teams in the field.

"The emergency operations room is also struggling to coordinate with other organisations to respond to humanitarian cases."

Maysa Monayer, spokeswoman for the Palestinian communication ministry, told AFP that "mobile calls are still available with very limited capacity" in Gaza for the time being.

Now in its 21st month, the war in Gaza has caused massive damage to infrastructure across the Palestinian territory, including water mains, power lines and roads.