Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – Sudan’s Transitional Government has taken a critical step in safeguarding the lives of their civilians by announcing the Jeddah Declaration for the Protection of Civilians in Sudan. This historic agreement was signed by representatives of both the Sudanese government and rebel groups that have been fighting in the country’s West, South, and East since the fall of Omar al-Bashir’s regime in 2019.
The declaration, which does not mention a cease-fire, outlines a commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians by restructuring and modernizing the country’s security sector. It also mandates that all parties involved in the conflict will be held accountable for any acts of violence or abuse against civilians.
“This agreement is a significant step towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Sudan,” said Suliman Baldo, Senior Advisor at the Enough Project, a non-governmental organization that specializes in conflict resolution. “It sends a clear signal that all parties involved in this conflict are committed to protecting the lives and dignity of civilians.”
The Jeddah Declaration for the Protection of Civilians in Sudan will be implemented by a joint committee composed of representatives from the government, rebel groups, and international organizations. The committee will oversee the gradual removal of all weapons from civilian areas, the protection of key public infrastructure, the release of prisoners, and the establishment of a mechanism to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
The declaration has been welcomed by the international community, with the United Nations’ Special Representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes, stating that it “represents an important milestone in the country’s journey towards peace and stability.”
The implementation of the Jeddah Declaration for the Protection of Civilians in Sudan will not be an easy task. However, it is a step in the right direction towards ending the violence and suffering of civilians in Sudan. Through this agreement, Sudan’s Transitional Government and rebel groups have shown their commitment to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the international community continues to support Sudan’s journey towards peace and stability, we hope that this commitment will translate into tangible actions on the ground, ensuring that Sudan’s civilians can finally live without the constant threat of violence, abuse, or displacement.
