A high-stakes diplomatic effort to end the brutal conflict in Sudan kicked off in Geneva on Wednesday, as a coalition of international and regional powers convened to address the deepening humanitarian crisis.
The United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland, alongside the African Union and the United Nations, issued a joint statement expressing their commitment to facilitating humanitarian access, ceasing hostilities, and upholding international law.
The talks, which are expected to last up to ten days, mark the latest attempt to bring an end to the fighting between al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that has ravaged the country since April 2023.
Notably absent from the initial discussions were representatives from SAF, casting a shadow over the prospects for a comprehensive peace deal.
The conflict has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with nearly 18,800 people killed and millions displaced.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has labeled Sudan as the world’s largest child displacement crisis, with an average of 10,000 children forced from their homes each day.
US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and improved humanitarian access.
While the talks are shrouded in secrecy, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that can alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The road to peace is expected to be long and arduous, with numerous challenges ahead.
The absence of SAF at the negotiating table is a significant obstacle, and the deep-seated animosity between the warring factions will require substantial diplomatic efforts to overcome.
Nevertheless, the international community remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Sudanese people and finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
