Khartoum: Sudan's foreign minister announced on Monday that the ongoing war is approaching its conclusion following significant military advances against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in Khartoum. The announcement signals a potential shift in the prolonged conflict that has plagued the nation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf emphasized the importance of adhering to the Jeddah Declaration as a prerequisite for any future negotiations with the RSF. This declaration highlights the responsibilities of the conflicting parties under international humanitarian and human rights laws to enable humanitarian efforts to address the urgent needs of civilians.

The Sudanese army reported that its forces have successfully encircled the central area of Khartoum, strengthening their control over the capital. This development is part of a series of recent military successes against the RSF forces not only in the capital but also in several other states.

The conflict between the army and RSF, which erupted in mid-April 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 20,000 individuals and displaced 14 million people, based on reports from the UN and local authorities. However, research conducted by US universities suggests that the death toll might be closer to 130,000.

International bodies and the UN continue to call for an end to the hostilities, cautioning against a looming humanitarian disaster as millions face severe food shortages and potential famine. The violence has now spread to 13 of Sudan's 18 states.