Saudi Arabia has been designated as the host for imminent peace talks aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, announced by the United States. This decision emerged from a France-backed international conference held in Paris, which successfully raised over two million euros for Sudan’s cause.
With the war in Sudan spiralling into one of the most dire humanitarian crises in recent memory, as outlined by the United Nations, the upcoming talks seek to compel both sides to engage in sincere negotiations towards a ceasefire. The conflict has inflicted immense suffering, claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 8.5 million individuals from their homes.
Partnering in the facilitation of these crucial talks are Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and the IGAD East African trade bloc. Notably, prior rounds of negotiations held in Jeddah by the United States and Saudi Arabia failed to yield significant progress. The conflict, which erupted last April, pits Sudan’s regular army, under the de facto leadership of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF paramilitaries, led by his former deputy and ally Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
Despite numerous attempts by various stakeholders to broker ceasefires and initiate dialogues, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. The United Nations, the African Union, and the regional IGAD group have all appointed special representatives dedicated to Sudan’s crisis. Meanwhile, Gulf states have convened additional meetings in Jeddah and Manama, Bahrain’s capital, in a concerted effort to address the conflict.
For the United States, the primary objective remains securing a peace agreement that swiftly halts the violence, guarantees unrestricted humanitarian access to all Sudanese citizens, and paves the way for the restoration of civilian governance.
Saudi Arabia has historically played a significant role as a mediator and facilitator in various peace processes across the Middle East and beyond. With its unique geopolitical position, cultural influence, and diplomatic outreach, the kingdom has often served as a conduit for dialogue and reconciliation amongst conflicting parties.
One of the most notable examples of Saudi Arabia’s mediation efforts is its involvement in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The kingdom has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has been instrumental in hosting negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli leaders. Saudi Arabia’s 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposed a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Arab world in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories, remains a landmark diplomatic initiative.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has played a key role in mediating conflicts within the Gulf region and beyond. The kingdom has actively engaged in efforts to resolve regional disputes, including the Yemeni civil war, the Syrian conflict, and the crisis in Lebanon. Through its diplomatic channels and financial support, Saudi Arabia has sought to promote stability and foster dialogue amongst rival factions.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has utilised its position as the custodian of Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, to convene summits and conferences aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance. The kingdom has hosted numerous international gatherings, bringing together religious leaders, scholars, and policymakers to discuss pressing global issues and to promote mutual understanding amongst diverse communities.
Despite facing criticism and challenges, Saudi Arabia continues to play an active role in advancing peace and stability in the region. By leveraging its diplomatic resources, cultural influence, and commitment to dialogue, the kingdom remains a pivotal actor in efforts to resolve conflicts and promote harmony both within the Middle East and on the international stage.
Key events in the history of the conflict in Sudan:
– 19th Century: Sudan is under joint Egyptian and Ottoman rule.
– 1881-1899: Mahdist uprising against Egyptian-Ottoman rule; Sudanese leader Muhammad Ahmad establishes an Islamic state.
– 1899-1956: Anglo-Egyptian Condominium period; Sudan under joint British and Egyptian administration.
– 1956: Sudan gains independence from British and Egyptian rule; political instability ensues.
– 1958: Military coup led by General Ibrahim Abboud; military rule begins.
– 1964: Civilian uprising leads to the fall of Abboud’s regime; transitional civilian government established.
– 1969: Military coup led by General Gaafar Nimeiry; military rule resumes.
– 1983: Nimeiry introduces Islamic law (Sharia) nationwide; sparks conflict with non-Muslims in southern Sudan.
– 1983-2005: Second Sudanese Civil War erupts between the central government, dominated by Arab Muslims, and the southern Sudanese rebels, mainly Christian and animist. Millions perish due to violence, famine, and disease.
– 2003: Darfur conflict begins when rebels rise up against the central government, accusing it of marginalisation and neglect.
– 2005: Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between Sudanese government and southern rebels, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War.
– 2011: South Sudanese independence referendum; South Sudan secedes from Sudan, becoming an independent nation.
– 2013: South Sudanese Civil War erupts, causing further instability in the region.
– 2019: Sudanese Revolution ousts long-time President Omar al-Bashir from power.
– 2020: Transitional government established in Sudan, composed of civilian and military representatives.
– Present: Conflict and violence persist in various regions of Sudan, including Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan, despite ongoing peace negotiations and international efforts to stabilise the country.
