Washington, DC - On June 29 and 30, Special Envoy Donald Booth visited Khartoum and engaged with government officials on a range of issues, including the political negotiations to end the conflicts, the National Dialogue, and implementation of a cessation of hostilities. He also met with the leadership of the United Nations African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) on how to support its efforts to protect civilians and achieve a sustainable end to conflict in Darfur.
The United States recognizes Foreign Minister Ghandour’s June 29 call for reconciliation in Sudan, his Government’s stated commitment to rebuilding Darfur after more than a decade of war, and his remarks about the negative impact the conflict has had on the lives and living conditions of the Sudanese people. We welcome the announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 30 that all Sudanese forces have been instructed to cease offensive operations in Darfur, which follows the Government of Sudan’s recent declaration of a unilateral cessation of hostilities in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. The United States also welcomes the Humanitarian Aid Commission’s June 29 pledge to enhance cooperation and coordination with UN organizations and international NGOs. Implementation of these commitments would be an important step toward achieving peace in all of Sudan.
We call on Sudan to ensure that humanitarian assistance is able to reach all populations in need throughout Sudan. There is no military solution to Sudan’s conflicts. As such, the United States also calls on all armed groups in and outside of Sudan to sign the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) roadmap and enter into peaceful political negotiations with the Government of Sudan.