Paramilitary RSF agrees to US-mediated talks on Sudan war
Al JazeeraAUG 2024
Sudan: Paramilitary Chief to Attend US-Mediated Cease-Fire Talks
Above: Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (C) visits patients at the Royal Care Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. Image copyright: David Degner/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The development that Dagalo accepted the invitation to fresh peace to create a space for a political process is a new glimmer of hope for the forgotten war in Sudan. It's particularly encouraging that the UN Security Council backs the US-mediated talks in a rare and significant agreement among its members. Moreover, the rapid geopolitical developments in the Red Sea and the wider region are generating additional momentum. Now, it's up to the regular Sudanese army to prove its will for peace.
Narrative B
The latest Saudi-backed US initiative only sounds encouraging on the surface. While the Saudis are now appearing to be a force for peace, Riyadh is fueling the conflict by supplying weapons, just like its rival, the UAE. Though they're backing the warring parties, both US allies are primarily concerned with controlling Sudan's resources, energy, and logistical gateways. The geopolitical dimension and interests of the various external players make it unlikely that the new talks will achieve peace.