Sudan’s army-backed government has announced its refusal to participate in US-sponsored peace talks scheduled to take place in Switzerland this week.
The decision comes after a Sudanese government delegation met with US officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the invitation to the Geneva negotiations.
The government cited concerns over the talks’ focus and representation, seeking assurances that discussions would center on implementing the existing Jeddah Agreement to facilitate humanitarian aid. They also demanded that all government components, not just the military, be represented and rejected the involvement of new observers or facilitators.
The US has described the talks as primarily military in nature, aiming to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid. However, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has confirmed its participation in the Geneva talks.
This development reduces hopes for ending the 15-month civil war between the army and the RSF, which has claimed over 15,000 lives and displaced 11 million people. Previous peace agreements between the two sides have failed.
The situation remains dire, with UNICEF emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to secure Sudan’s future. The country faces severe famine, particularly in North Darfur, and the conflict continues to escalate.