Despite the Sudanese army’s absence from ceasefire talks in Switzerland, the US envoy leading negotiations stated they remain in daily contact and are making progress on humanitarian aid.
The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, involves Al Burhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The brutal war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The US special envoy, Tom Perriello, mentioned that while the RSF’s delegation is present in Switzerland, the negotiating team maintains phone contact with Al Burhan’s army, coordinating with global partners to push for peace.
The negotiations are co-hosted by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland, alongside the African Union, Egypt, the UAE, and the UN.
The talks, which began on Monday and may last 10 days, are conducted behind closed doors.
Daily communication with both sides aims to secure ceasefire agreements and ensure humanitarian access.
The meeting uses a proximity talks format, where mediators engage each side separately. Perriello emphasized that the talks have kept international attention on Sudan.
Despite not meeting directly, virtual proximity talks have facilitated ongoing engagement, aided by other key mediators like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
As fighting forces one in five people from their homes, the reopening of Sudan’s Adre border crossing with Chad offers hope.
Humanitarian deliveries to the starving Darfur region have resumed, marking significant progress.
However, further commitment, especially from the army, is crucial for lasting aid and peace.
