Juba refutes claims of UAE interference in Sudan’s humanitarian talks

May 18, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan has described as “false” the social media statements made by a Sudanese political official, alleging the United Arab Emirates interference to sabotage the South Sudanese mediation efforts for a humanitarian ceasefire agreement in the Two Areas.

Mubarak Ardol, a prominent member of the FFC Democratic Bloc and former SPLM-N spokesperson, claimed on Facebook that a UAE official visited rebel-controlled areas in South Kordofan after being in Juba. Ardol suggested the visiting official vowed to undermine the agreement reached by Kabbashi and al-Hilu on the necessity of delivering humanitarian aid to these regions.

On Saturday, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dismissed allegations of foreign interference in the mediation process for humanitarian access and relief delivery to conflict-affected areas in Sudan.

“Since Thursday, the parties have been meeting and holding discussions freely. There have been no indications of foreign interference or language suggesting outside influence,” said Minister Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goch.

He praised Sudanese leaders for prioritizing the people’s interests over politics. He highlighted the military leadership’s decision to seek South Sudan’s government intervention to mediate a ceasefire agreement with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdel Aziz Adam Al-Hilu.

Goch characterized the ongoing mediation efforts as a positive response to a request from the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan to mediate a ceasefire agreement, marking the beginning of a long road to peace that requires strong willpower.

“What is happening is commendable. It is an initiative of the Sudanese leaders, and we have only provided security and the venue. They have taken charge of the entire process and are holding discussions as brothers and sisters. That is all we see,” explained Goch.

South Sudan’s Presidential Adviser on National Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak, who chairs the mediation committee, also praised the process. He noted the positive response from the people, who have expressed their happiness at the parties’ decision to cease fighting and seek a political settlement through peaceful dialogue.

“Since Thursday, when we convened the first session of the dialogue, many Sudanese here have expressed their happiness. This is a clear indication that people are looking for peace and stability to return to Sudan. Indeed, the war in Sudan has affected everyone, including us in South Sudan,” said Gatluak.

He added, “We believe the military option is not a solution to Sudan’s internal problems.”

Gatluak called on the international community to support the people of Sudan in implementing the outcomes of the current process with political backing and resources to aid the peace process.

(ST)