UN hosts humanitarian talks in Geneva, as Sudanese army leader refuses to participate
July 11, 2024 (NEW YORK/ ATBARA) – The United Nations confirmed the arrival of delegations from the warring Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Geneva for indirect discussions aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid delivery and civilian protection. However, the Sudanese army leader reiterated their refusal to engage in talks until the RSF withdraws from occupied towns, casting a shadow over the UN-led initiative.
UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, revealed that the delegations were invited by the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, for discussions commencing on July 11th. However, one delegation failed to attend the initial session. Lamamra has since extended a renewed invitation for both parties to meet on Friday.
“We urge the Sudanese delegations to rise to the challenge and engage in constructive discussions with the Personal Envoy for the sake of the Sudanese people,” stated Dujarric, while declining to disclose which party abstained from the first meeting.
The UN’s efforts were prompted by letters dated June 26th, in which Lamamra invited both SAF and RSF leaders to discuss measures to ensure humanitarian access and civilian protection, including potential local ceasefires as mandated by the Security Council.
Al-Burhan demands RSF withdrawal
Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reiterated on Thursday that negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on humanitarian aid delivery are conditional upon their withdrawal from occupied homes and states.
Addressing a crowd in Atbara, River Nile State, al-Burhan declared, “There are no negotiations, neither in Jeddah nor in Switzerland. Negotiations will only begin after the RSF withdraws from homes and states.”
He emphasized that the war concerns all Sudanese, not just the military, stressing that victory over the RSF is imminent.
“We will triumph very soon, and crush the enemy. The battle will end with the defeat of the rebels, their allies, and those who question the people’s fight for freedom from oppression,” he said.
Al-Burhan spoke about ending tolerance for RSF crimes, stating, “The end of the battle will be with the crushing and destruction of the rebels.”
He disclosed they formed committees for popular resistance and mobilization, expressing readiness to establish military brigades in areas where people demand them, with the army providing leadership and weapons.
The impasse in negotiations further exacerbates the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, with millions in need of urgent assistance. The international community calls for both parties to prioritize the well-being of the Sudanese people and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering of civilians.