Rhino: Agencies – Diplomatic sources revealed in press statements on Thursday that delegations from the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces had arrived in the US capital, Washington, to begin direct negotiations aimed at launching a comprehensive peace process, in accordance with the vision of the international quartet of the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.

The two sides agreed that this round of negotiations would be an extension of the outcomes of the Jeddah and Manama forums, with a focus on security, humanitarian, and political arrangements that pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, according to the sources.

The Rapid Support Forces delegation demanded the formation of an independent international commission of inquiry to determine who was responsible for starting the war, investigate the use of chemical weapons and the bombing of civilians, and investigate all violations that occurred during the war, with those wanted handed over to the International Criminal Court.

In return, the Sudanese army delegation demanded that the negotiation process be conducted in secret, away from media coverage, until final agreements are reached.