The Sudanese government has conditionally accepted an invitation to attend US-sponsored peace talks in Geneva, raising hopes for progress in ending a 15-month-old war. The government, aligned with the army in its conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aims to save lives and dignity of the Sudanese people through cooperation with peace initiatives.
The largest humanitarian crisis in the world has been caused by the war, displacing a fifth of the population and leading to imminent famine. Previous attempts at negotiations have faltered, but the upcoming talks could bring the army and RSF to the table for the first time in months.
While the government insists on the RSF’s full withdrawal and end of expansion before negotiations, they are open to discussions with US officials to shape the agenda for the talks. The involvement of key players like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, along with the support of the UAE, raises hopes for a meaningful and enforceable peace deal.
US special envoy Tom Perriello highlighted the importance of these talks in achieving a lasting peace in Sudan.