Sudan, SPLM-N aid delivery talks stall amidst diverging positions

May 17, 2024 (JUBA) – Negotiations between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) over humanitarian aid delivery faltered on the second day, with deep divisions emerging regarding the scope and conditions of the assistance.

The talks, mediated by South Sudan, aim to secure aid for war-torn regions in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile. However, the government delegation insists on limiting aid delivery to these two areas, citing previous relief efforts elsewhere. In contrast, the SPLM-N demands an unbiased and simultaneous distribution of aid across all needy regions of Sudan.

Gatiqa Amuga Delman, the SPLM-N spokesperson, criticized the government’s stance, highlighting the urgent needs in other areas and questioning the rationale behind prioritizing only two regions.

Delman also expressed concerns about the government’s commitment to aid delivery, referencing a previous incident where aid trucks were detained by the army.

He further dismissed a statement by the SPLM-N delegation leader suggesting an agreement had been reached, emphasizing that the group’s position remained unchanged.

The negotiations are set to resume on Saturday, with South Sudan continuing its mediation efforts to bridge the gap between the two sides.

The Sudanese army’s proposal includes a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery through specific land and air corridors, with the South Sudanese government overseeing the process. However, the success of these talks hinges on resolving the fundamental disagreement over the scope of aid distribution.