Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf revealed that the presidents of Djibouti, South Sudan, and Kenya are anticipating a cessation of hostilities in Sudan.
He also said the heads of states are hoping that “formal and effective” mediation prevails between Sudan’s warring factions.
Clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in mid-April, killing hundreds and injuring thousands more.
Regional African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), after a virtual summit in April, said it plans to send the presidents of Kenya, South Sudan, and Djibouti as soon as possible to reconcile conflicting Sudan groups.
“We are currently seeking a meeting between representatives of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sovereign Council and commander of the Sudanese army, and his deputy, commander of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Daglo, with representatives of the three countries to execute the IGAD mission,” Youssouf told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The top diplomat stated that Burhan and Hemedti have “already agreed in principle to the mediation, but the ceasefire remains a problem.”
A cessation of hostilities is a fundamental requirement for the presidents of South Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti to arrive in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.
“We are simply waiting for the ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities to be respected, so that the presidents can travel to Khartoum,” affirmed Youssouf.
“We have decided to hold a meeting between representatives of Burhan and Hemedti with the foreign ministers of the three countries in any of their respective countries, in order to pave the way for the visit,” he added.
According to Youssouf, the current situation in Sudan is a “disaster in every sense of the word.”
Despite challenges and delays, the transitional period had been making progress until recently.
“The disaster was a result of the contradictions within the Sudanese military establishment,” explained Youssouf.
The minister expressed his desire for a more prominent and effective Arab role, stating that the Arab League should take a greater role in the Sudan crisis, given the country's integral role in the Arab world.
