Sudan Talks in Saudi Arabia Rely on Ceasefire

Negotiations hosted in Saudi Arabia rely on a verified ceasefire from Sudan’s Rapid Response Force, a condition emphasized by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chair of Sudan’s Interim Sovereign Council and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. In his view, any meaningful diplomacy must be preceded by a halt to the bloodshed, making a lasting truce the essential prerequisite for talks to move forward.
There is no point in engaging in discussions in Jeddah if the fighting continues, according to the Saudi foreign ministry, which stated that the talks between the government forces and the Rapid Response Force will persist only until all sides agree to a genuine temporary ceasefire that halts hostilities and creates space for dialogue.
During an interview with a Cairo-based television channel, Burhan reiterated that accessing a constructive negotiation is contingent on a ceasefire and the cessation of armed actions, a sentiment relayed by al-Qahera News. The message was clear to regional observers: a table in Saudi Arabia serves little purpose if the conflict persists unabated.
From his perspective, the Sudanese armed forces remain open to any initiative that aims to stop the bloodshed and restore stability across the country. This stance underscores a willingness to consider pathways that can lead to political settlement once violence is paused and security begins to normalize.
The Saudi envoy echoed the stance that genuine dialogue cannot proceed while rebels continue to fire and refuse to disarm. The emphasis remained firm: only when weapons are laid down and a ceasefire is in place can negotiators hope to advance any concrete agreement.
Saudi Arabia also underscored its humanitarian commitment, announcing a $100 million package to aid Sudan. The King Salman Humanitarian Center has been tasked with delivering assistance to the people of Sudan, and a fundraising drive on the Sahem platform is planned to mobilize additional support for those affected by the crisis.