GENEVA: US-sponsored talks on agreeing a ceasefire in the devastating conflict in Sudan started in Switzerland’s capital, Geneva, on Wednesday, despite the notable absence of the Sudanese government.
The negotiations, spearheaded by Tom Perriello, the US special envoy for Sudan, are being held behind closed doors and could extend up to 10 days.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has pitted the Sudanese army, led by Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
The war has resulted in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands dead and over 25 million people, more than half of Sudan’s population, facing acute hunger.
Perriello expressed urgency for a resolution, stating that it was “high time for the guns to be silenced.” Despite the talks proceeding, the absence of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has cast a shadow over the talks. The SAF has voiced dissatisfaction with the inclusion of certain observers in supporting the RSF.
The talks are co-hosted by Switzerland, with support from the African Union, Egypt, the UAE, and the United Nations. They aim to achieve a cessation of hostilities, improve humanitarian access, and establish effective enforcement mechanisms.
The SAF’s refusal to participate has not deterred other attendees, who are focused on advancing the agenda. “Our focus is to move forward to achieve a cessation of hostilities, enhance humanitarian access, and establish enforcement mechanisms that deliver concrete results,” Perriello said.
The conflict has triggered widespread suffering, with significant humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), reporting violations of international law concerning humanitarian aid. MSF’s Sudan programme manager, Vittorio Oppizzi, said that both sides had manipulated aid access.
Analysts suggest that the absence of the SAF might intensify external pressure on the Sudanese leader, potentially highlighting him as the primary obstacle to peace.
Previous efforts to mediate the conflict had failed to produce a lasting resolution. Cameron Hudson of the Center for Strategic and International Studies described the current situation as one where Washington’s efforts to create a façade of progress might be perceived as ineffective, noting that real pressure is needed to compel the SAF to negotiate.
The fighting continues unabated, with reports of increased indiscriminate shelling by the RSF in civilian areas, including El-Fasher and Omdurman. Human rights groups have documented attacks on schools, hospitals, and civilian transport, intensifying the urgent call for peace.
Outside the UN headquarters in Geneva, demonstrators rallied, demanding immediate action and peace. “We want peace now, ceasefire now,” shouted Lina Rasheed, co-organizer of the protest. “The situation is so bad; we want the war to stop right now,” echoed Amani Maghoub, a protester who traveled from London.
