Talks aimed at ending Sudan’s 16-month-long conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are set to move forward this week, despite little indication from either side that a peaceful resolution is within reach. The conflict, which has displaced millions and created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, continues to escalate, with both parties showing reluctance to compromise.
The United States’ special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, announced that the negotiations, set to take place in Geneva, will proceed as planned. This comes even as the Sudanese army has expressed strong reservations about participating, citing ongoing RSF offensives across the country. Meanwhile, the RSF has publicly welcomed the talks but continues its aggressive military campaigns, raising doubts about its commitment to peace.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Reluctant Peace Talks
The war in Sudan has pushed more than 10 million people out of their homes, creating famine-like conditions in several regions. Despite this dire situation, efforts to mediate a ceasefire have been met with skepticism from both the Sudanese army and the RSF. The army, led by General Abdelfattah al-Burhan, has all but rejected the invitation to the Geneva talks, citing the RSF’s occupation of civilian areas and other violations as reasons for their hesitation.
On the other hand, RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has reiterated his forces’ participation in the talks, even as reports emerge of continued violence and atrocities committed by RSF fighters. UNICEF recently condemned an RSF attack in Omdurman, near the capital, where children were killed in a designated “safe space.” Additionally, a maternity hospital was targeted, further highlighting the brutality of the ongoing conflict.
Despite these challenges, Perriello remains committed to advancing the peace process. He emphasized that the talks will continue with or without the full participation of the warring factions, with technical experts and observers from the African Union, the UAE, and Egypt involved in formulating a plan of action. “The trajectory of delay would not have benefited the Sudanese people and frankly would not benefit the army either,” Perriello stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Divisions Within the Army Complicate Negotiations
The internal dynamics of the Sudanese army further complicate the peace process. Sources close to the military indicate that divisions exist within the ranks, with some factions viewing the conflict as an existential fight that must end in total victory. These groups are opposed to any negotiations that might include former President Omar al-Bashir’s loyalists, who have been pushing to be included at the negotiating table.
These internal conflicts have led the army to recommend against participating in the Geneva talks, particularly given the involvement of the UAE, which they accuse of supporting the RSF. The UAE has denied these allegations, but the distrust remains a significant barrier to progress.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the upcoming talks represent a critical opportunity to address the conflict. However, the lack of commitment from both the Sudanese army and the RSF casts a shadow over the potential for a meaningful resolution. The world will be watching closely to see if these talks can bring any relief to a country on the brink of collapse.
Source: ReutersÂ
