The African Union-led peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and the SPLA-North of Blue Nile and South Kordofan and the armed movements of the Darfur region are due to resume on Thursday in Addis Ababa.

The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel chief negotiator for Sudan Thabo Mbeki has returned to Addis Ababa after a visit to Berlin.

Talks are expected to begin with a meeting between the AUHIP chief and Sudanese political actors as well as opposition political parties headed al-Sadiq al-Mahdi and Faroug Abu Issa to discuss an inclusive dialogue process that is expected to follow the signing of a ceasefire with the rebel movements.

Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed President Bashir on Wednesday on the peace talks on Darfur and the Two Areas.

Separately, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Minni Arko Minnawi faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement have yesterday concluded a workshop organized by the African Union mediation in Addis Ababa.

Abdul Aziz Osman Sam told Radio Tamazuj that the first day focused on a cessation of hostilities, while the second day’s topic was international humanitarian law.

He said that the workshop was facilitated by experts from Zambia and West African. Osman confirmed that the round of talks would begin today as per the notification of the mediation. 

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Ghandour, the head of government delegation at the talk said on Tuesday that the mediation has already adopted their proposal for discussion on security arrangements in South Kordofan and Blue Nile region to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire that will restore security and stability in the Two Areas.

However, speaking to the Sudanese Media Centre (SMC), Ghandour stressed that there is no way for a unified forum for Darfur and the Two Areas peace talks. The African Union has called for ‘synchronized’ but separate ceasefire talks.