Sudan’s warring factions have gathered in Switzerland for U.N.-led discussions aimed at securing local ceasefires to facilitate aid and protect civilians.
However, only one side attended the start of the talks on Thursday, according to the United Nations.
Conflict erupted in April last year between the General Burhan’s forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the integration of forces during the transition to free elections.
The U.N. reports that nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan’s population, need aid, with famine looming and almost 12 million displaced.
Two concrete initiatives have been initiated since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan. One is the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
IGAD attempts at brokering peace between the warring sides did not have concrete results due to General Burhan’s and SAF’s refusal to participate and unrealistic demands.
The Jeddah Forum in Saudi Arabia was significant for addressing issues and seeking resolutions. Although currently stalled, the initial steps taken were promising.
UN-sponsored talks in Geneva
The Geneva talks, convened by U.N. Sudan mediator Ramtane Lamamra, have each party negotiating via Lamamra instead of face-to-face meetings.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in New York confirmed that one delegation did not attend the planned session on Thursday. Lamamra met with the attending delegation and invited both sides to continue discussions on Friday.
An RSF source confirmed its delegation was in Geneva, while the army did not comment.
Sudanese army chief Abdelfattah al-Burhan, in a speech, rejected negotiations unless the RSF withdraws from civilian areas, vowing revenge for Sudanese harmed by the RSF.
The U.N.’s effort follows numerous unsuccessful mediation attempts. Previous talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between Burhan’s forces (SAF) and RSF, sponsored by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, broke down at the end of 2023.
In recent days however, efforts to reactivate the Jeddah Forum have intensified. On July 8, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Velid el-Hireyci, emphasized in his meeting with SAF leader General Burhan in Port Sudan that “restoring security and stability to Sudan requires calm, wisdom, self-control, the resumption of negotiations and flexibility.”
RSF has responded positively to recent efforts by Saudi Arabia, but critical question here will be how will SAF and its unpredictable leader General Burhan will respond towards recent Saudi efforts.
Meanwhile, the RSF continues its offensive in Sennar state, aiming to consolidate control over central and western Sudan.
The African Union also initiated talks between Sudanese political factions on Wednesday, excluding the largest anti-war civilian coalition due to the presence of former autocrat Omar al-Bashir’s allies.
Dujarric urged Sudanese delegations to engage constructively with Lamamra for the sake of the Sudanese people. He noted the discussions aim to identify avenues for advancing humanitarian and civilian protection measures through local ceasefires, as requested by the Security Council.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for a political solution, stating there is no military resolution to Sudan’s conflict. “We are seeing the devastating impact of this war fought between two generals who have no interest in their civilian population,” she told BBC World News. “It has to take place at the negotiating table.”
The key question is whether the fundamental expectation of the Sudanese people for a ceasefire and peace will be fulfilled.
The reality on the ground in Sudan is crystal clear and the Sudanese people’s only hope is for the warring parties to come to the table and reach a political solution.
