Security Briefing: Juba Peace Talks Suspended

Overview

Talks between the transitional government and rebel groups in Juba have been suspended, after the Rapid Support Forces allegedly attacked civilians. This reflects the three main challenges for conflict resolution in Sudan. Government-linked militias remain active, rebel groups feel that their preconditions for negotiations are unmet and ceasefires have not been implemented.

Who is involved in the talks?

Achieving peace is crucial to the Sudanese government, which is seeking to revive the economy by slashing military spending (14 October, AP). The government for Juba’s peace talks will be led by Himedti, who will be joined by his fellow sovereign council military representatives Shamseldine Kabbashi and Yassir al-Atta. The civilian government delegation includes sovereign council members Mohammed al-Faki and Mohammed al-Taayshi, and Cabinet Ministers Omar Manis and Yousef El Dei. (14 October, Radio Dabanga).

Notable absences

Although the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) is participating in the talks, some key rebel groups are refusing to participate. The Sudan Liberation Movement faction led by Abdelwahid al-Nur does not recognise the transitional government. Meanwhile, the Sudan Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz Al-Hilu is not a part of the RSF, and also refuses to hold talks with the military council or the pro-democracy movement. It is worth noting that the SLM-N Al-Hilu faction is Sudan’s largest rebel group, controlling large chunks of South Kordofan and the Blue Nile. (AP).

The Forces of Freedom and Change are also absent from the peace negotiations, which has been strongly criticised by the leader of the Sudanese Congress Party, Omar al-Digair. In criticisms directed at Sudan’s transitional government, the government of South Sudan, and the Sudanese armed movement, al-Digair called for remediation, stating that the FFC were instrumental in the formation of the interim government. (17 October, Radio Dabanga).

Unhappy with Juba hosting peace talks

Ahead of its participation in the peace talks, the SRF wanted to address its concerns about Juba hosting the peace talks, suspecting that the South Sudanese government of Salva Kiir wants to dictate the agenda of the talks. (12 October, Sudan Tribune).

Niemat Ahmadi of the Darfur Women's Action group also criticised South Sudan’s capacity to host the peace negotiations given its interests in Sudan. (16 October, Radio Dabanga).

Talks Suspended (16 October, Multiple sources)

Peace talks collapse after the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North accused the Rapid Support Forces militia of occupying new areas and attacking and arresting traders. SPLM-N chief negotiator Ammar Amoun said that his group’s preconditions to returning to the negotiating table include the release of all prisoners, the withdrawal of government forces from areas they’ve taken and a halt to all hostilities.

Response

Mohammed al-Taayshi a civilian member of Sudan’s sovereign council said: “the government is shocked...[we are] ready to investigative those behind the attack and will bring them to justice.”

In addition, Abdelfattah al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudan’s ruling sovereign council, and the chairman of the High Peace Council, announced a permanent ceasefire in Sudan's three main conflict zones - Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.