Peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and armed movements in Juba are ongoing and have not been affected with the extraordinary measures imposed by the South Sudan government to confront the new coronavirus.
South Sudan has been mediating between the Sudanese parties to reach a peace deal between Khartoum and the armed movements that were fighting the regime of ousted Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir. Four rounds of negotiations have been held, while several peace deals are expected to be signed on April 9.
A round of talks was held on Monday between the government and Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), which is headed by Malik Agar. A member of the South Sudan mediation committee said after the talks that participants are determined to move forward towards peace, describing the discussions as “friendly”.
“We won’t allow the coronavirus outbreak to halt peace efforts in Sudan,” he added. He revealed that the negotiations are being held in line with the guidelines issued by the health ministry, such as banning handshakes, limiting the attendees to main negotiators, maintaining distance in seating plans and ensuring all members wash their hands properly.
Talks focused on security arrangements for the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions.
SPLM–N expressed its readiness to sign a peace deal before the set date in April, adding it was prepared to contribute in the establishment of a “professional national army” that follows a “new military creed that reflects Sudan’s diversity and protects its higher interests and democratic system.”
Peace is the right way forward towards amending the “flawed situation” in the country, it added.
