Suspension Sudan peace talks, deadlock over aid delivery

The mediation team of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) has decided to suspend the security negotiations between the Sudanese government and armed movements, in Ethiopia on Monday. Chairman Thabo Mbeki further announced that the preparatory meeting for the National Dialogue conference is scheduled for December.

The deadlock in the two peace negotiation tracks, on South Kordofan and Blue Nile States and on Darfur, remains. Mbeki said that the suspension is a response to the calls of the delegations of the rebels to give all parties time to consult. All shall remain in contact with the mediators, to set a date for the resumption.

The chief mediator expressed hopes that the current round has laid down bases for the resumption of talks on the outstanding issues. He added that they intend to hold the National Dialogue preparatory meeting on 7 December, adding they will convene the dialogue committee and the Sudanese parties.

Aid via Ethiopia

Both parties at the negotiation table of the ‘Two Areas’, South Kordofan and Blue Nile, have adhered to their positions on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The government’s delegation believes that the aid must come from within Sudanese territory, under international supervision, along with the support of aid organisations in the field.

The team, led by Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, refuses to approve of an external relief track, as it considers that as a step toward losing control over the monitoring of aid. It expressed concern that the rebel movement might use relief transport as a pretext to carry weapons to its troops.

The head of the SPLM-N delegation, Secretary-General Yasir Arman, said in a press release on Sunday that the armed movement believes humanitarian aid should be carried to the Two Areas through two routes: via Sudanese territory and outside via Ethiopia.

“My delegation has prepared only for a cessation of hostilities, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and reaching a comprehensive political settlement that respects the international humanitarian law and achieves democracy in the country.”

'There are major differences between us and the government delegation.'

At the other negotiation table in Addis Ababa for the conflict in Darfur, government delegation leader Amin Hassan Omar told the press yesterday that he hopes to reach a ceasefire in the region during the next two days.

The two Darfuri armed movements, however, said that there are major differences between them and the government that need to be addressed before signing any agreement. They urged to discuss wealth and power, the return of the displaced people, and other issues that they deem necessary for bringing peace to the region.