The upcoming Cairo conference on Sudan's conflict promises "a glimmer of hope" to end the ongoing clashes between the warring parties, Lieutenant General Osman Mousa Bauneen, the head of the Sudanese National Salvation Forces Alliance, told Sputnik.
He added that this conference, which will take place in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, next week, comes at a very crucial time for the future of the country.
Bauneen pointed out that Sudan's geographical location is politically linked to many neighboring countries, which means that the continuation of this conflict will directly affect neighboring countries as well as the Horn of Africa. He added that the fact that a neighboring country like Egypt is hosting this conference is a clear indication of Cairo's interest in Sudan's stability.
"Egypt called for this conference in order to bring together Sudanese brothers across the spectrum, in addition to inviting brotherly and friendly countries and the international community interested in Sudanese affairs to discuss the current situation and how to end this conflict, which has spread to neighboring countries," Bauneen told Sputnik.
Asked about the participants and their readiness to reach a consensus on the conclusions, Bauneen said that alongside with political keys figures from neighboring countries and from the international community, Sudanese warring parties will be represented in the conference; therefore, the conclusions will be based on purely Sudanese-Sudanese visions.
"The parties to the conflict will have a presence and participation in the conference, and therefore any recommendations will be listened to, God willing, in order to address the issue within the framework of preserving the Sudanese state entity," the Lieutenant General noted.
Battles between the Sudanese Army and the RSF have been ongoing since mid-April 2023, killing about 15,000 people. According to the United Nations statement, about 8.5 million people are now internally displaced or refugees, which is significantly impacting neighboring countries.