US envoy confirms talks to end Sudan’s 15-month war will proceed in Geneva despite Sudan’s army absence.
United States Special Envoy Tom Perriello has announced that discussions to bring an end to the 15-month conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will commence in Geneva this week. The US has called for ceasefire talks in Switzerland after more than a year of ongoing violence between the two factions.
While the RSF has agreed to participate in the US-mediated talks, Sudan’s army leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has declared that the military will not partake in the discussions, maintaining a stance of non-negotiation.
Despite the Sudanese army’s refusal to join the talks, they are slated to kick off on Wednesday as per the US envoy. The aim is to launch the negotiation process involving multiple countries and bodies to facilitate dialogue between the two conflicting parties.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed hope for humanitarian progress during the talks, emphasizing the urgent need for aid in Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
‘Breaking point’
Additionally, the UN migration agency has issued a warning regarding Sudan’s deteriorating condition, citing potential preventable deaths due to various crises if immediate action is not taken.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in a high death toll, massive displacement, and severe humanitarian challenges, demanding a swift and coordinated global response to prevent further catastrophe.