Sudan peace talks start but neither side shows up

Fresh peace talks aimed at resolving Sudan’s 16-month conflict have begun in Geneva, despite the absence of representatives from both warring factions.

The United States, which is leading the negotiations, pressed forward with the event, vowing to do “everything we can to try to end this horrific crisis in Sudan.”

No-show by warring sides

Neither the Sudanese army nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were present as the talks commenced.

The Sudanese army had announced its intention to boycott the talks days earlier, accusing the RSF of failing to honor key terms of the Jeddah Declaration, a peace agreement reached in Saudi Arabia last year.

The RSF delegation has arrived in Switzerland. Our US delegation, and the collective international partners, technical experts, and Sudanese civil society, are still waiting on the SAF. The world is watching.

— U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello (@USSESudan) August 13, 2024

The RSF, which had initially sent delegates to Switzerland, abruptly decided to stay away.

Unresolved issues and military standoff

The army’s refusal to attend stems from allegations that the RSF did not fulfill essential conditions, such as withdrawing its forces from civilian homes and public facilities.

Sudanese armed forces chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan stated, “Military operations will not stop without the withdrawal of every last militiaman from the cities and villages they have plundered and colonized.”

The RSF has denied allegations of looting and violence against civilians, but their absence at the talks casts further doubt on the prospects for a ceasefire.

International efforts continue

Despite the absences, the U.S. and other international delegates, including representatives from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations, proceeded with discussions.

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello expressed hope that the army would eventually join the talks, emphasizing the “overwhelming voice of the Sudanese people” calling for peace.

The UAE’s presence at the talks has been met with objection by the Sudanese army, which accuses the Gulf nation of arming the RSF – a claim the UAE has denied.