Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – Two of the major generals in Sudan’s transitional government agreed to a 24-hour truce beginning on Saturday. The Kwazulu peace process between the two generals, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and his former ally Abdelaziz al-Hilu, could be the first step in ending the country’s long-standing conflict.
The agreement was announced by General Hamdan Dagalo, who also heads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that is accused of carrying out a brutal crackdown on the pro-democracy protesters in 2019 that toppled Omar al-Bashir’s government.
The peace talks, which have been initiated by the Sudanese prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok, are aimed at bringing an end to the conflict that has been raging in the country since the overthrow of Bashir’s regime in 2019. The transitional government is made up of civilians and military figures, with the military holding the majority of power.
“The truce is a positive step forward towards achieving peace and stability in Sudan,” said Ahmed Soliman, a researcher at Chatham House, an international affairs think tank. “It is an indication that both sides are willing to negotiate and find a solution to the ongoing conflict.”
However, with the mistrust between the two generals deep, many analysts are sceptical that the 24-hour ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace. “It’s a short-term measure, and it remains to be seen whether the ceasefire will be observed and whether it will lead to a permanent peace agreement,” said Soliman.
Should either side break the ceasefire, facilitators may have to consider postponing talks, which were suspended since late last month, in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
The United Nations and other international organisations have been calling for an end to the conflict in Sudan and have been pressing the warring factions to negotiate a lasting peace agreement. With the country facing multiple crises, including an economic crisis and a pandemic, the need for stability is more crucial than ever.
As Sudan begins to move towards a peaceful future, it is hoped that the ceasefire agreement will pave the way for more constructive talks between the two generals and ultimately, lead to a lasting peace in the country.
