Juba praises Sudan-SPLM-North humanitarian talks

May 17, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan has welcomed the commencement of talks for the delivery of humanitarian aid between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North). Senior officials in Juba see a potential shift towards political dialogue between the warring parties.

The first round of talks launched on Thursday, aims to establish a framework for delivering humanitarian aid to SPLM-North-controlled areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. According to a statement broadcast by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, both sides have agreed to engage in honest discussions mediated by the South Sudanese government.

South Sudan’s National Security Advisor, Tut Gatluak, commended the initiative. “This is a courageous step taken by the Sudanese military leadership and accepted by the SPLM-North under Abdel Aziz Adam Al-Hilu,” he said. “The leadership and people of South Sudan, under President Salva Kiir Mayardit, will fully support this process.”

Gatluak confirmed his role as mediator and highlighted the primary goal: “to reach a ceasefire agreement that would allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.”

Potential for broader peace efforts

South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goch, expressed hope that these talks could pave the way for broader peace efforts. “This is a positive beginning,” he said. “The fact that both sides are talking demonstrates a willingness to address the bigger picture of the conflict. We will offer all necessary support to ensure a tangible outcome.”

Minister Wol explained that the talks follow preliminary discussions between Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Shams al-Din Kabbashi, and SPLM-North leader Abdelaziz Adam al-Hilu. “These initial discussions were verbal, but now technical teams are working to convert that agreement into a written document facilitating humanitarian access and delivery.”

Wol hoped this agreement would lead to further discussions on political issues. “We hope this agreement on humanitarian access will trigger negotiations on political settlements, as both parties engaged in similar discussions in 2020. Those talks were interrupted, and we hope they can be resumed.”

Sudan’s Defense Minister, Major General Ibrahim Yassin, represents the transitional sovereign council, while Ammar Amoun, Secretary-General of the SPLM-North, leads their delegation. Tut Gatluak heads the mediation team, with Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol as secretary.

Optimism and next steps

Sudan’s Defense Minister Yassin expressed optimism, stating that the talks represent a positive response to a government initiative seeking a ceasefire for humanitarian access. “We aim to sign a document facilitating the delivery of aid to those in need,” he said.

The success of these talks remains to be seen, but they represent a potential turning point in the Sudanese conflict.