Sudan’s rival leaders have agreed to engage in peace talks in Saudi Arabia, following calls from the UN Secretary-General to end the ongoing violence and allow for humanitarian access to the country. The peace initiative has been supported by both the United States and Saudi Arabia, with the latter playing a role in mediating the power struggle between General Burhan and his deputy, General Hemedit.

The conflict in Sudan stems from disagreements over security arrangements and military integration into the country’s regular army. Sudan has been relatively peaceful since President Bashir came to power decades ago, despite sanctions imposed on his regime by Western countries for allegedly supporting Islamic rebel groups in the Middle East. However, the president was ousted from power in 2019 through a popular uprising with the help of General Burhan and General Hemedit, who are now vying for leadership of the country.

Last month, South Sudan’s acting minister of foreign affairs announced that President Kirr was engaging in talks with General Burhan and General Hemedit, and urged them to allow foreign nations to evaluate their diplomatic mission staffs and citizens. While the announcement of peace talks offers a glimmer of hope for the Sudanese people, some analysts remain skeptical of Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator, as it has been implicated in the conflict that has killed over a thousand people and displaced tens of thousands in Khartoum.