Representatives from the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – convened in Geneva at the invitation of the United Nations. The talks, aimed at establishing a ceasefire and safeguarding civilians, were overshadowed by the absence of one delegation on the first day and further marred by reports of fresh violence in Sudan.
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, held separate meetings with representatives from each side. While the UN remained tight-lipped about which party missed the initial session, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric urged both delegations to resume discussions on Friday.
“We urge the Sudanese delegations to rise to the challenge and engage in constructive discussions with the personal envoy for the sake of the Sudanese people,” Dujarric said.
The Geneva talks represent a glimmer of hope amidst a brutal conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023. The UN estimates that the violence has claimed over 14,000 lives and displaced millions. The war has had a catastrophic impact on the nation, triggering a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. International experts have warned that hundreds of thousands face starvation in the coming months.
Efforts to end the conflict have gained urgency in light of the dire humanitarian situation. Last week, Egypt hosted a Sudanese political and civil forces conference, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a comprehensive political solution. However, these efforts were preceded by the collapse of talks between the military and RSF in Saudi Arabia at the end of 2023.
The fragile hope fostered by the Geneva talks was further strained by reports of violence emanating from Sudan over the weekend. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) accused the RSF of carrying out a deadly attack in North Kordofan state on Sunday, leaving at least 23 civilians dead.
Adding to the mounting concerns, the Al-Dinder Emergency Room in Sennar state reported that the RSF seized agricultural equipment, seeds, and fertilizers from villages in the region. This raises serious anxieties about the upcoming agricultural season and potential food shortages.
The UN hopes that the Geneva talks will mark a turning point, leading to a ceasefire and a sustainable political solution that can finally bring an end to the suffering of the Sudanese people. The international community is watching closely, with the knowledge that the success of these talks is critical to preventing further bloodshed and alleviating the immense humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan.