Sudanese Foreign Minister Muhyiddin Salim made important statements regarding his country's path out of civil war during his contacts in Ankara. Salim emphasized that Turkey is a strategic ally for Sudan.
Minister Salim defined the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a 'terrorist militia' according to Sudanese law. Stating that no negotiations will be held with this group, Salim said, 'There is no negotiating with a terrorist. Moreover, most of those fighting in the RSF ranks are mercenaries, and there is no sense in negotiating with mercenaries.'
Announcing that the Sudanese government submitted a 'very sincere and clear' peace initiative to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) last December, Salim stated that the initiative outlined the government's vision for dealing with the RSF.
Salim, noting that he discussed a comprehensive approach to the peace process in Sudan with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, said, referring to military advances, 'With this progress our forces have achieved on the ground, we have come one step closer to peace.'
Stating that achieving peace would pave the way for strategic cooperation in Sudan's reconstruction, Salim added that the technology and expertise of Turkish companies would be an integral part of this process.
Salim met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as part of his two-day official visit. The clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan since April 2023 have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of around 15 million people.