The humanitarian disaster in the country is worsening as violence in Khartoum and other parts of the country continues. Few analysts are optimistic about peace returning to Sudan any time soon. The declaration also addressed refraining from torture, forced disappearances, sexual violence, and recruitment of child soldiers.
However, the talks โ brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United States โ failed to bring the violence to an end as air raids and artillery attacks continued in Khartoum one day after the declaration was signed. United Nations officials say the talks in Jeddah will continue and hopefully lead to a ceasefire soon.
Regardless of the results, holding these talks indicates that Saudi Arabia is trying to demonstrate its ability to play a leading diplomatic role in the Arab world after years of a sullied global image caused by the war in Yemen.
Earlier in the year, Saudi Arabia had surprised diplomatic observers by agreeing to restore ties with Iran , a longtime regional rival. The move was welcomed by many as a positive step in calming regional conflicts that the two countries had found themselves on opposing sides of.
Analysts say that the kingdom has nothing to gain from instability in Sudan, which can drive a refugee crisis and create new opportunities for armed groups. Nonetheless, Riyadh will be challenged to help restore stability to Sudan. With both al-Burhan and Hemedti seeing the fight as existential and the two sides seemingly committed to destroying the other, an end to the conflict in the short term may be difficult to foresee. Despite Saudi intentions, events on the ground in Sudan will determine the result.
