JEDDAH — Talks scheduled to be held in Jeddah between Sudanese rivals will focus on reaching agreement on an effective ceasefire for approximately 10 days, Saudi Arabia and the US announced in a statement on Friday. Saudi Arabia and the US said representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration committing themselves to protect the civilians. "The declaration of commitment recognizes the obligations of both sides under international conventions and human rights laws to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the emergency needs of civilians," the statement read. "The declaration of commitment will guide the conduct of the two forces to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of essential services, the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and clinics, and the respectful burial of the dead." The security measures will include a US-Saudi and international-supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism. "In line with the step-by-step approach agreed by the parties, the Jeddah talks will address proposed arrangement for subsequent talks — with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners — for permanent cessation of hostilities." In consultation with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the facilitators look forward to discussions with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners about their participation in subsequent rounds of talks.
