Millions of Sudanese civilians have fled to Chad and other neighbouring countries. Reuters
Millions of Sudanese civilians have fled to Chad and other neighbouring countries. Reuters
Millions of Sudanese civilians have fled to Chad and other neighbouring countries. Reuters
Millions of Sudanese civilians have fled to Chad and other neighbouring countries. Reuters

Talks to reach ceasefire in Sudan have resumed, US says


Jihan Abdalla
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Talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary have reconvened, in a renewed attempt to resolve the months-long war, the US State Department said on Sunday.

The talks, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have a narrow set of objectives, the State Department said, and will be aimed at enabling the delivery of humanitarian assistance, establishing ceasefires and building towards a “permanent cessation of hostilities”.

The talks will not address broader political issues,” the State Department said.

The war in Sudan, which began six months ago, has devastated much of the capital Khartoum and spread to nearby cities, causing a humanitarian crisis of “epic proportions", according to the UN.

“There is no acceptable military solution to this conflict,” the State Department said.

“We call upon the SAF and RSF to approach the talks constructively, with the imperative to save lives, reduce the fighting and create a path to a negotiated exit from the conflict.”

Nearly 10,000 people have been killed and 5.6 million have fled to neighbouring countries amid fighting between the army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen Mohamed Dagalo.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Updated: October 30, 2023, 1:32 AM