Switzerland and the United Nations are preparing to convene a high-level international meeting in Geneva on Wednesday aimed at coordinating efforts to end Sudan’s war, with neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) participating in the talks.
The sixth consultative meeting on Sudan’s peace initiatives will bring together 27 delegations representing governments and international organisations, as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a ceasefire and advance a political settlement.
The meeting, scheduled for October 21 at the Palais des Nations, will be co-hosted by Switzerland and UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ personal envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto.
Swiss Foreign Ministry State Secretary Alexandre Fasel will co-chair the discussions.
According to the United Nations, approximately 80 participants are expected, including ministers, deputy foreign ministers and senior diplomatic officials.
The meeting will include representatives of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, which make up the diplomatic Quad seeking to advance a negotiated resolution to Sudan’s conflict.
Qatar, Türkiye, Norway and Germany are also among the countries expected to participate, alongside Sudan’s neighbours and representatives of the African Union, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Arab League.
Neither Sudan’s military authorities nor the RSF will attend because the gathering is intended to coordinate the work of international mediators rather than conduct direct negotiations between the warring parties.
UN officials said the participants in Sudan’s conflict would be informed about the consultations and briefed on their outcome.
Preparatory discussions on Tuesday will examine the deteriorating humanitarian situation, civilian protection and access for relief organisations operating in conflict-affected areas.
The main meeting will focus on reducing hostilities, strengthening cooperation between competing diplomatic initiatives and supporting an inclusive political process.
Switzerland said the consultations form part of a diplomatic mechanism launched in June 2024 to improve coordination among international actors involved in Sudan.
Organisers hope the meeting will produce a joint statement outlining practical steps to advance peace efforts, although no agreement has been announced.
The Swiss government warned that approximately 34 million people now require humanitarian assistance as the conflict continues to devastate communities and displace millions.
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the SAF and RSF following a power struggle between their leaderships.
Repeated international mediation efforts have failed to secure a lasting nationwide ceasefire, while fighting and aerial attacks continue across Darfur, Kordofan and other parts of the country.
