Peace talks open in Geneva to tackle Sudan conflict and alleviate the ongoing humanitarian emergency, with nearly two dozen nations convening on Wednesday to map out a ceasefire pathway and a transition to inclusive governance.

De-escalation and Humanitarian Focus

Pekka Haavisto, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, stated that the opening session focused on de-escalation to find practical ways forward. Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary of Switzerland, which co-hosts the meeting alongside the United Nations, described the war as a drone war that primarily kills civilians. Fasel highlighted that famine-like conditions persist in Darfur, the Kordofan state, and other regions, driven entirely by the ongoing conflict.

According to OCHA, almost 34 million people require humanitarian aid across Sudan. UNICEF reported that eight million Sudanese children are currently out of school, which threatens the nation’s future stability. Furthermore, conflict-related sexual violence has resurfaced to terrorize and humiliate civilians based on ethnicity or perceived affiliations. Fasel emphasized that the Geneva Conventions clearly dictate that protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access must not wait for a political solution, as people are suffering and dying daily.

Diplomatic Framework and Previous Meetings

Delegates are also discussing a Sudanese-led transitional political phase through an inclusive and credible dialogue that represents all Sudanese people. Neither the Sudanese Government nor the Rapid Support Forces are represented at the Geneva gathering, as the mechanism is designed for mediators to coordinate their actions. Pekka Haavisto stressed that the goal is to support Sudanese citizens in shaping their shared future.

The current discussions follow a day of humanitarian-focused talks involving international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Sudan INGO Forum. On the margins of the Geneva meeting, the UN Personal Envoy planned to engage with regional and international partners, including the Quad mechanism of the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, as well as the Quintet mechanism comprising the African Union, IGAD, the UN, the European Union, and the League of Arab States. Officially known as Consultative Meetings on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, these sessions have previously been held in Cairo, Djibouti, Nouakchott, and Brussels.

Source: Cosmo News Desk