ALBAWABA - According to US officials, Saudi Arabia will host fresh peace talks within the next three weeks on the war in Sudan, calling for both sides to "negotiate in good faith toward a ceasefire".
US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, wrote on X: "Given the urgency of peace, we welcome the decision of Saudi Arabia to restart Jeddah talks within the next three weeks,".
The US State Department requested Tuesday that the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) "negotiate in good faith toward a ceasefire". Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and the East African trade organization IGAD will work together to facilitate the negotiations, according to a State Department spokesperson.
The announcement regarding resuming negotiations comes as French President Emmanuel Macron revealed on Monday that France and its allies have received gives totaling more than €2 billion ($2.1 billion) to assist in alleviating Sudan's humanitarian catastrophe.
His remarks came at the end of a summit in Paris that brought together top diplomats from France, Germany, and the European Union to advocate for additional financing for Sudan on the first anniversary of the conflict.
The conference was attended by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, top EU diplomat Josep Borrell, and the EU's Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, as well as civil society members from Sudan.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that war crimes and crimes against humanity may have occurred in Sudan. He cited indiscriminate attacks "killing, injuring, and terrorizing civilians" during the war between the RSF and the army.
"The main problem is clear: there are two generals that have opted for a military solution and they have until now, obstructed all serious efforts of mediation," Guterres stressed. According to the United Nations (UN), Sudan is experiencing "one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory".
This year, the UN humanitarian mission requires around $2.7 billion to provide food, health care, and other supplies to 24 million Sudanese people. According to the UN's humanitarian office, known as OCHA, funders have only contributed $145 million, or around 5%.
The UK increased its aid to Sudan and the surrounding region to more than $105 million, and the US offered an extra $100 million. In 2024, the European Commission intends to commit over €355 million to Sudan and its neighboring countries.
