Negotiations between the head of the army, General al-Burhan, and the head of the Rapid Support Forces, General Hemedti, took place on the night of 11th to 12th May 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the two parties managed to sign an agreement to allow humanitarian aid.
This agreement is not about a ceasefire but a declaration of commitment to protect civilians, according to an anonymous US official who took part in the discussions.
The official added that negotiations are underway for a new temporary truce in Sudan, with a proposal to stop fighting for ten days to allow for the delivery of community aid.
Under the agreement, the two sides commit to refrain from fighting in areas where civilians could be affected, to facilitate the passage of aid, and to create safe passages for the evacuation of civilians from areas at risk.
The document also commits the parties to withdraw security forces from hospitals, allowing humanitarians to bury bodies, evacuating private homes that they occupy, and continuing negotiations for a temporary truce.
Observers recognize that this agreement is the minimum that both armies could do to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law.
These talks, brokered by the US and Saudi Arabia, began in Jeddah on 6 May 2023. Each side has sent a three-person delegation. But so far, the talks have been difficult.