Khartoum, July 13 (Darfur24)
Sudan’s Security and Defense Council said on Sunday it had reached a “mutually agreed” response to a peace proposal submitted by international mediators, reaffirming its support for initiatives that preserve the country’s unity and sovereignty.
In a statement issued after a meeting chaired by Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the council said it had thoroughly reviewed the mediators’ proposal, noting that it is the sole authority responsible for decisions on war, peace, and related negotiations.
The council said all members agreed on a unified response and dismissed as false reports circulating on social media about the content of its deliberations.
It urged the public to refrain from sharing information that could affect national security or undermine ongoing peace efforts.
The council reiterated the government’s willingness to engage with any initiative that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people while safeguarding the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On July 10, Reuters reported that the Sudanese army had made the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from cities under its control a key condition for accepting a US-backed peace proposal.
According to Reuters, the proposal calls for a 90-day humanitarian truce, followed by negotiations on a permanent ceasefire and a civilian-led political transition toward elections.
The proposal also includes a UN-led mechanism to oversee limited RSF withdrawals, beginning in North Darfur and North Kordofan, as well as plans to establish a unified national army through disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.
It further proposes a Sudanese-led civilian political process that excludes the Islamist movement and members of armed groups accused of committing atrocities.
Reuters said the Sudanese government accepted most elements of the proposal but objected to the provision on limited RSF withdrawals.
A US State Department spokesperson told Reuters that Washington is holding discussions with both the Sudanese army and the RSF on the proposed humanitarian truce and peace plan, expressing hope that both sides would accept the proposal without preconditions.