Too many cooks could spoil the broth in the Sudan crisis
Representatives of Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signing an agreement in Jeddah, on May 11, 2023, as US-Saudi led delegates witness. PHOTO | AL-EKHBARIYA | AFP
The Sudanese are conflicted on whether to seek solutions to the conflict from the African Union and regional bodies, the Arab League, or the various countries that have vested interests in the country.
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia-led mediation saw the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) sign the first deal since the war began. But it was labelled as a “commitment to protect civilians of Sudan,” focusing on civilian safety rather than a ceasefire. Whether Saudi’s early fruits for hosting the warring parties can be seen as a neighbour helping another has also become an identity question: Is Sudan Arab, African or both? And who actually wields influence on the political sides?
