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Suspension of Jeddah Peace Talks Intensifies Sudanese Conflict: Divisions Emerge Within Military Leadership

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BNN Correspondents
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Member of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Yasser Al-Atta ,<br>Image Credit: SCPSudan

Peace Talks Suspended Amid Rising Tensions

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In a major setback to the peace process in Sudan, high-ranking sources from the Sudanese Armed Forces have confirmed to BNN the suspension of their involvement in the ongoing negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These negotiations were taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and had the backing of both Saudi and American mediation efforts.

Previously, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF had extended a ceasefire agreement for five days amidst mutual allegations of violations. The suspension of the peace talks, however, casts a shadow over this agreement, with tensions mounting on both sides of the conflict.

Internal Disagreements within Military Leadership

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Details have emerged that a rift within the army's leadership may have fueled the decision to pull out of the negotiations. Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, and Yasser Al-Atta, head of military operations against the RSF, have locked horns over the issue.

Al-Atta, also a senior member of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, has been strongly advocating a tougher stance against the RSF, especially concerning the escalating conflict in the Omdurman region. Al-Atta's firm belief is that the situation calls for a practical response, namely a push to defeat the RSF rather than entering negotiations or mediation.

A firm advocate of justice, Al-Atta has stated that there should be no negotiations or interactions with the RSF leader, Hemedti, until he is held accountable for his actions. This unbending stance has ignited tension within the army leadership, throwing a wrench into the peace negotiation process.

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Further complexity is added to the situation by Al-Atta's intricate past. Some argue that the previous regime exploited Al-Atta's name and reputation to create illusions and manipulate public sentiment. Moreover, concerns are rising about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood within the army, with Al-Atta being one of its notable representatives.

Impact of the Conflict on Civilians

Since April 15, large-scale and violent clashes have been observed between the Sudanese army and the RSF in various areas of Sudan, most notably in the capital city, Khartoum. This has resulted in a significant loss of civilian life and injuries, while official statistics on the military casualties on both sides remain undisclosed.

The future of the peace process remains uncertain following the suspension of the negotiations. This presents a major challenge for conflict resolution and underscores the need for international support and alternative strategies for peacekeeping in the region.

Sudan ceasefireagreement RapidSupportForces SudaneseArmedForces OmdurmanRegion
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