A source close to the negotiations carried out by members of the international quartet on Sudan said that efforts are ongoing to reach a ceasefire in the war-torn country. The quartet includes Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt and United Arab Emirates.
The quartet is also working on delivering humanitarian aid ahead of launching civilian dialogue aimed at reaching a permanent solution to the conflict.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity, the source said the quartet is currently proposing a three- to nine-month humanitarian truce during which humanitarian corridors can be opened to deliver aid to those in need. Agricultural production will also resume, allowing civilians to return to normal life.
Throughout this period, the quartet will contact the warring parties to reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, revealed the source.
Once reached, intra-civilian Sudanese dialogue will be held to agree on a constitution for the country and mechanisms to establish a parliament and government, as well as the executive agencies that organize the daily lives of the people across Sudan.
The Jeddah Platform still stands and is ready for dialogue with the warring parties, added the source, recalling a Sudanese government statement from a year ago that stressed commitment to it.
The platform was initially agreed to by the warring parties, it stressed.
The quartet is hoping that the parties will positively respond to its efforts, the source told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Moreover, it noted the massive efforts carried out by Saudi Arabia, individually and within the quartet, to reach a ceasefire, stemming from its keenness on Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.
Before and during the war, the Kingdom has worked with all Sudanese parties to persuade them to work on developing their country and steer clear of disputes, culminating in the Jeddah Agreement that was signed in May 2023, it remarked.
Saudi Arabia has maintained three humanitarian programs in Sudan covering food security and medical assistance, as well as helping in protecting infrastructure.
On the crisis in el-Fasher and Darfur, the source said the Kingdom is offering aid through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and international organizations. It is also aiding Sudanese refugees in Chad and South Sudan.
