Sudan’s warring sides were expected to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for talks today, Riyadh and Washington announced, as international mediators pressed for an end to a conflict that has killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands. refugees to flee abroad.

Saudi Arabia and the US have welcomed the start of “pre-negotiation talks” between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, and called on both sides to actively engage and reach a ceasefire, according to joint announcement.

The Sudan Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), a political formation that has a key role in the internationally-backed plan to transition to a civilian rule, also welcomed the talks in Jeddah.

Sudan’s armed forces announced that they had sent representatives to Jeddah last night. The DTI did not immediately confirm that they would participate in the process, but both sides have said they will only discuss a humanitarian truce, not an end to the war.