Policy

“Rapid Support Forces” Welcome Washington’s Call for Sudanese Talks in Switzerland and Confirm Their Participation


The leader of the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemetti,” welcomed an American invitation for talks in Switzerland, confirming their participation.

He explained on his “X” platform account that his forces share with the international community the goal of a comprehensive ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian access to all those in need.

Hemetti stated: “I welcome the invitation announced by (…) Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, and we announce our participation in the upcoming ceasefire talks on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland.”

He praised the efforts of the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland in organizing these important deliberations.

Hemetti emphasized his desire to develop a strong monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure the implementation of any agreement reached.

He added, “The scale of suffering and destruction in our country is immense, and we reiterate our firm stance, as mentioned in the U.S. Secretary of State’s statement today, which is the insistence on saving lives, stopping the fighting, and paving the way for a negotiated and peaceful political solution that will return the country to civilian rule and the democratic transition process.”

He confirmed his readiness to approach these talks constructively and hopes they will constitute a significant step towards peace and stability and the establishment of a new Sudanese state based on justice, equality, and federal governance.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Tuesday: “Over the past fifteen months, the horrific conflict in Sudan has pushed millions to the brink of famine and displaced nearly 10 million people. It continues to cause boundless suffering to the Sudanese people, and the United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war.”

He added: “Building on previous Jeddah operations facilitated jointly with Saudi Arabia, the United States has invited the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to participate in U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks starting on August 14, 2024, in Switzerland.”

According to the United Nations, the war has forced more than 11 million people to flee within Sudan and across borders, destroying infrastructure and pushing the country to the brink of famine.

A U.N.-sponsored report published at the end of June indicated that about 25.6 million people, more than half of Sudan’s population, are currently facing “acute food insecurity.”

Since mid-April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in fierce fighting with the army, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic situation in a country suffering from poverty.

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