In the ongoing struggle to end Sudan’s devastating civil war, activist Mohanad Elbalal has falsely accused the U.S. of setting conditions that led to General al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) absence from recent peace talks in Geneva.
Elbalal’s claims have been refuted by multiple sources, including U.S. officials and international mediators.
Elbalal, co-founder of the nonprofit Khartoum Kitchen Aid, asserted on social media that the U.S. imposed impossible conditions on Sudan, including not inviting the army-aligned Sudanese government to the talks while inviting the UAE, which allegedly supports the RSF.
This claim is misleading and lacks evidence.
U.S. National Security Spokesperson John Kirby clarified that the U.S. has only called for a cease-fire and has been actively engaging both warring parties in Sudan. “Our primary goal is to bring both sides to the negotiation table and secure a meaningful cease-fire for the benefit of the Sudanese people,” Kirby said.
The UN has recently highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, the displacement of over 10 million people, and severe humanitarian crises.
Despite this, the SAF delegation did not attend the peace talks, which were mediated by the U.S. and included representatives from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union, and the UN.
Contrary to Elbalal’s accusations, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, stated that direct mediation would be difficult without SAF participation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also urged General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the SAF, to join the talks.
The SAF has a history of withdrawing from negotiations, including pulling out of the Cairo talks in July, citing issues with other factions.
The SAF also withdrew from the IGAD peace process earlier this year and has previously cut ties with Kenya over diplomatic disagreements.
Additionally, Egypt, a known ally of the SAF, and the UAE, which has previously represented the RSF in peace talks, are both involved in the current mediation efforts.
The U.S. has acknowledged the UAE’s role but maintains that the participation of all influential parties is crucial for the success of the peace process.
Elbalal’s assertions overlook the complex dynamics of the conflict and the challenges faced by international mediators in bringing all parties to the negotiating table. The focus remains on achieving a durable cease-fire and addressing the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Sudanese.
