May 7, 2023 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, is closely following the humanitarian ceasefire talks between the representatives the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (SAF) that commenced in Jeddah and urges the two sides to seize the opportunity of the face-to-face talks to silence the guns.
The Executive Secretary calls upon the SAF and RSF to immediately and unconditionally agree to a humanitarian ceasefire to allow the civilian population and families access to protection, safe corridors for movement, and access to healthcare services and meet their food needs.
The Executive Secretary reminds the parties of the decision of the Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government during their 40th Extraordinary Session of 16 April 2023 that called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and decided to send a high-level peace mission headed by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan and that includes H.E. President Ismael Omar Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti, and H.E. President William Samoei Ruto of the Republic of Kenya.
Finally, the Executive Secretary applauds H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the lead mediator of the High-Level peace mission for his efforts in engaging with Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan of SAF and General Mohamed Dagalo of RSF to cease hostilities and nominate representatives to a dialogue. The Executive Secretary further commends the IGAD Assembly for coordinating with other regional and international efforts to work towards a stable and peaceful Sudan in the best interest of the Sudanese people and the region.
