South Sudan Extends an Olive Branch to Sudanese Political Groups for Consultative Talks

In a bid to pave the way for forthcoming discussions on political and military matters, South Sudan has extended an invitation to civilian political factions from Sudan. The announcement was made by South Sudan’s presidential adviser on national security affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime, who confirmed that these consultative talks are set to take place in the capital city of Juba.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in Sudan has been unwavering, underlining the importance of an all-encompassing and comprehensive approach in these negotiations, according to Manime.
He emphasized that these upcoming meetings are part of a broader effort to foster mutual understanding and trust among Sudanese civilian leaders, especially concerning the ongoing challenges within the country.
Manime acknowledged the prevailing state of war in Sudan, which has severed communication between various groups, making it imperative for President Kiir to extend invitations to Sudanese leaders, urging them to engage constructively.
This initiative also serves as an opportunity to garner support for the Jeddah peace talks, building upon the constructive efforts undertaken by civilian forces.
South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, similarly expressed strong support for an inclusive political process in Sudan, aimed at realizing a shared goal of peace and stability. He pledged his personal dedication to support the transitional government of national unity.
The leader of South Sudan’s main opposition group, SPLM-IO, stressed Sudan’s pivotal role in regional and international affairs, underscoring the pressing need for the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
James Pitia Morgan, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, articulated that President Kiir’s initiatives are designed to bridge the deep divides on critical issues that exist between various factions in Sudan.
The backdrop to these diplomatic overtures is the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, which erupted on April 15 when tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces escalated into open conflict.
This strife has exacted a heavy toll, claiming many lives, inflicting significant damage, displacing millions, and confining others to displaced camps or their civilian homes in Khartoum and other towns.
Leaders from Sudan’s seven neighboring countries have been actively advocating for initiatives to address the deepening crisis in the African nation. Multiple initiatives have been set in motion, with the United States and Saudi Arabia running a parallel initiative in conjunction with efforts by the African Union, Arab League, Egypt, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc comprising eight member countries.