Sudanese Leader Abdel Fattah el-Burhan Arrives in Juba for Key Bilateral Talks

By Jenifer James

King New 16^th Sept 2024 –The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation recently announced that Abdel Fattah el-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, is currently in Juba for a series of important bilateral discussions.

Speaking to journalists upon arrival at Juba International Airport on Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ramadan Mohammed Goc, said Abdel Fattah el-Burhan’s visit to Juba marks a significant step in enhancing our diplomatic and economic relations.

The primary agenda of the talks is to bolster cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan. Goc emphasized that “the meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation, promoting regional peace, and fostering stability through constructive dialogue and shared initiatives.” This visit highlights the commitment of both nations to address ongoing regional challenges and to explore new avenues for collaboration.

Following the meetings, both leaders are expected to brief the public on the outcomes and agreements reached. This transparency aims to keep citizens informed about the progress of their countries’ diplomatic efforts and the potential benefits of the discussions. “We look forward to the outcomes of these talks and their positive impact on our bilateral relations and regional stability,” Goc added.

Meanwhile, a South Sudanese civil society activist has called on the leaders of South Sudan and Sudan to forge a truly inclusive peace mediation framework in their forthcoming discussions. The activist’s urgent message underscores the need for a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of Sudanese citizens over the interests of conflicting factions.

In a statement to the media on Monday, the South Sudanese activist Edmund Yakani directed the appeal to His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, His Excellency Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Abdel Fattah el-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Yakani emphasized that a successful resolution must include all relevant parties, including the Rapid Support Forces, adding that the leaders should facilitate Sudan’s return to the mediation table.

Yakani highlights the necessity of involving all key stakeholders in the peace process to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable resolution. They stressed that a genuine dialogue must be free from preconditions, which often hinder progress and prolong the suffering of innocent civilians.

“As a nation that shares historical and cultural ties with Sudan, South Sudan has witnessed the significant impact of the conflict on Sudanese refugees and internally displaced persons. This shared predicament reinforces the urgency for a peace framework that genuinely addresses the needs of affected communities,” he added.

The call for an inclusive and unconditional peace mediation framework reflects a broader desire for regional stability and reconciliation.

“As the leaders prepare for their discussions, this is a powerful reminder of the humanitarian imperative to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens over the entrenched interests of warring parties,” he concludes.

Yakani highlights the critical need for an equitable and representative peace process that ensures the voices of all stakeholders are heard. The outcome of this meeting has the potential to significantly impact the future of Sudan and its people, offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.