The Face of Truth: Jeddah Platform: Has the Earth’s Beast Devoured His Staff?
Ibrahim Shaglawi
The Sudanese arena has witnessed significant field developments in recent weeks as the Sudanese army advances in its battle to regain control of the capital, Khartoum, from the grip of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. In this context, an important question arises: Will the Jeddah Platform serve as an effective means to achieve security and peace in Sudan after the rebellion has been crushed, or has it been surpassed? This article seeks to discuss the importance of Sudan’s transition from war to peace while emphasizing the need to permanently close the militia file to ensure lasting security and a better future for Sudanese citizens.
On May 11, 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF militia signed an agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under the sponsorship of the United States and Saudi Arabia, aiming to halt the war. The agreement stipulated the removal of the RSF militia from civilian facilities and the evacuation of citizens’ homes, in addition to opening humanitarian corridors. It also called for the assembly of forces in camps for either demobilization or integration into the Sudanese army in accordance with military law. Despite the significance of these provisions, the RSF refused to implement them and instead expanded its control over several areas, including Al-Jazirah State and other cities such as Sennar and Jebel Moya.
After the army successfully regained these areas and took control of strategic locations in Khartoum—including Bahri neighborhoods, central Khartoum, the Signal Corps, the General Command headquarters, the Al-Jaili refinery, and the Currency Printing Corporation—these military gains have come at a crucial time, with indications suggesting the imminent end of the RSF’s presence in the capital.
Security sources also indicate that the RSF has begun releasing hundreds of prisoners and detainees from its prisons in an attempt to ease internal pressure amid continuous military defeats. Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, the official spokesman for the army, highlighted significant progress in Khartoum, noting the clearing of vital areas such as hospitals and public facilities.
Meanwhile, the commander of the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, Al-Misbah Abu Zeid, issued a stern warning to the RSF, giving them only 12 hours to leave Khartoum before the army launches the second phase of its military operations. This threat reflects the increasing confidence of the Sudanese Armed Forces following a series of battlefield victories both inside and outside the capital.
The RSF and its supporters had hoped that the Jeddah Agreement would grant them a chance to maneuver, believing it would provide a temporary truce to reorganize their ranks and acquire more weapons and mercenaries. However, reality unfolded differently. The Sudanese army imposed new facts on the ground, making the agreement appear more like an acknowledgment of defeat rather than a political settlement.
Thus, Jeddah is no longer a platform for negotiation between two forces but rather a setting for surrender, offering the militia a chance to sugarcoat its downfall by using the term “agreement” instead of “defeat.” Nevertheless, even this proved unmanageable, as the RSF failed to adhere to the agreement’s terms. Their true goal was never peace but rather buying time—an approach that backfired, accelerating their inevitable downfall.
Amid the army’s military advancements and the RSF’s collapse, according to military experts, international and regional pressures are mounting to end the conflict in Sudan, particularly with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan. In this context, Turkey and Egypt have taken the initiative in mediation efforts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced close coordination with Cairo to end hostilities before Ramadan. Meanwhile, the UAE has previously expressed support for Turkish mediation between Sudan and the RSF. Subsequent leaks have hinted at mutual conditions being set, alongside behind-the-scenes Egyptian efforts, as revealed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. This is in addition to previous statements from the Saudi Foreign Ministry and the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasizing the necessity of peace in Sudan.
These efforts coincide with the RSF’s increasing international isolation, as it faces growing criticism for the atrocities committed by its forces in Darfur and other regions. Additionally, calls for negotiations with the Sudanese government to implement the Jeddah Agreement highlight rising pressure on the RSF to return to the negotiating table. Reports from Sudan’s political scene also suggest that the RSF has reluctantly agreed to implement the security arrangements outlined in the Jeddah Agreement due to the intense military pressure exerted by the army across all battlefronts.
Considering these developments, one crucial factor must be acknowledged: the prevailing sentiment among Sudanese citizens, who lean toward a military resolution rather than negotiations. This inclination is understandable in light of the widespread and horrific violations committed by the RSF. Sudanese civilians have endured war crimes, including mass killings, forced displacement, and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, according to human rights organizations. These experiences have left a deep imprint on the collective memory of the Sudanese people, leading many to believe that a military resolution is the only path to justice and an end to their prolonged suffering.
Nevertheless, regional and international experiences indicate that negotiations can take place even in cases of military superiority to ensure sustainable peace and commitments to reconstruction.
For example, in the Vietnam War (1973), despite the U.S. forces being in the process of withdrawal after suffering heavy losses, negotiations between the U.S. and North Vietnam persisted under international pressure to prevent further military escalation and avoid a return to war.
Similarly, in the Bosnian War (1992-1995), despite the military superiority of the Bosnian forces, the Dayton Peace Agreement was reached due to international and UN-driven efforts to end the conflict, restore regional stability, and guarantee post-war reconstruction.
Based on this perspective, the revival of the Jeddah Platform hinges on the RSF and its backers acknowledging their defeat and implementing the agreement’s military provisions regarding demobilization and reintegration. Additionally, increased international and regional pressure is essential to ensure post-war reconstruction and the sustainability of peace. Otherwise, the Jeddah Platform may be left to decay, much like the staff devoured by the Earth’s beast.
Wishing you all well.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
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