Rival Sudan factions meet in Saudi Arabia as pressure mounts

Damaged buildings and burned-out pick-up truck are seen at the central market during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan [File: Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah/Reuters]

Sudan’s warring parties have met for direct talks in Saudi Arabia as mediators pressed for an end to a conflict that has killed hundreds and sent tens of thousands fleeing.

Saudi Arabia and the United States welcomed the start of the “pre-negotiation talks” on Saturday in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and urged the belligerents to actively engage and come to a lasting ceasefire, a joint statement said.