A new peace proposal has emerged in Sudan's civil war, calling for an initial three-month truce followed by a return to civilian rule in which the Muslim Brotherhood is kept out of power.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the US announced on Friday they had agreed a "shared set of principles" on ending the conflict. Sudan's army and a rival paramilitary, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been at war since April 2023.
The war has left Sudan divided between two governments. The fighting has brought famine to Sudan and forced millions to leave their homes amid sieges, fierce battles and allegations of war crimes against both sides.
In their five-point peace plan, the UAE and partners said Sudan's unity is essential, that a military solution not "viable" and that both sides are obliged to let aid reach the Sudanese people "through all necessary routes".
The fourth point addresses steps towards a new government for Sudan. The four countries "called for a humanitarian truce, for an initial three months, to enable the swift entry of humanitarian aid to all parts of Sudan", they said.
They said this should "lead immediately to a permanent ceasefire, then an inclusive and transparent transition process should be launched and concluded within nine months to meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people".
"Sudan’s future cannot be dictated by violent extremist groups part of or evidently linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, whose destabilising influence has fuelled violence and instability across the region," they said. Analysts have warned of Islamist groups regaining influence in Sudan in an alliance with the army.
The fifth element is that "an end to external military support is essential to ending the conflict", the countries said. Their foreign ministers say they will "exert all efforts" to get the army and RSF to negotiate a settlement.
The ministers will also "press all parties to the conflict" to protect civilians and ensure aid reaches those in need, they said. The UAE and partners have previously acted as go-betweens in peace talks in Switzerland.
Sudan's army-backed government under Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, which operates from Port Sudan, controls northern, central and eastern regions. The RSF, led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo, has set up its own administration in western Darfur.
Once allies, the two generals led a coup in 2021 that overthrew a civilian government under prime minister Abdalla Hamdok. Mr Hamdok told The National this week that the US was showing "rather more structured and more serious engagement" in the peace process.
On Friday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on Sudanese Finance Minister Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel and militia group Al Baraa bin Malik Brigade for their involvement in the civil war and connections to Iran.
The sanctions are aimed at limiting extremist influence within Sudan and curtailing Tehran's regional activities, "which have contributed to regional destabilisation, conflict and civilian suffering", Treasury said.
The army recaptured Khartoum in March but the city came under attack from RSF drones this week. The strikes were expected to curtail the return of residents who had fled the fighting.
Match info:
Portugal 1
Ronaldo (4')
Morocco 0
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Porsche Macan T: The Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec
Top speed: 232kph
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
On sale: May or June
Price: From Dh259,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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How England have scored their set-piece goals in Russia
Three Penalties
v Panama, Group Stage (Harry Kane)
v Panama, Group Stage (Kane)
v Colombia, Last 16 (Kane)
Four Corners
v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via John Stones header, from Ashley Young corner)
v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via Harry Maguire header, from Kieran Trippier corner)
v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, header, from Trippier corner)
v Sweden, Quarter-Final (Maguire, header, from Young corner)
One Free-Kick
v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, via Jordan Henderson, Kane header, and Raheem Sterling, from Tripper free-kick)
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
More coverage from the Future Forum
How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
