Sudan expresses cautious optimism following Geneva humanitarian talks
July 20, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese government expressed willingness to build on the positive outcomes of the Geneva talks to improve the humanitarian situation in the country following indirect talks with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, it reiterates its demand for the RSF to fulfil the Jeddah humanitarian agreement.
The government delegation, led by Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Salwa Adam Baneya, engaged in discussions with the RSF from July 11th to 19th in Geneva, facilitated by UN Special Envoy Ramtane Lamamra. Although a formal agreement wasn’t reached, the RSF offered unilateral commitments on civilian protection and facilitating humanitarian access.
In a statement released on Saturday, Baneya highlighted the constructive nature of the talks, stating, “The Geneva discussions offered a promising foundation for addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.”
The humanitarian official detailed the government delegation’s active participation, including technical discussions on international funding, assessments, aid priorities, and logistics for delivering relief supplies. However, she reiterated the government’s stance that civilian protection discussions should continue within the Jeddah framework and emphasized the importance of implementing the May 2023 Jeddah Declaration.
Also, Baniya reaffirmed that Sudan remains committed to collaborating with the UN to alleviate the suffering of its people. She stressed that this cooperation will occur within the framework of Sudanese sovereignty and existing national humanitarian policies.
The statement expressed the government’s opposition to any parallel humanitarian structures, referencing a letter from the RSF leader to the UN outlining pledges to be carried out by their own relief agency. The Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations (SARHO), established by General Hemetti in August 2023, operates in RSF-controlled areas, raising concerns about duplication of efforts.
Baneya pointed to concrete actions taken by the government to facilitate humanitarian work. Over the past six months, they issued over 1,500 visas for aid workers and facilitated the movement of aid supplies, including waiving customs fees for an estimated $360 million worth of aid. Additionally, authorities facilitated the entry of hundreds of aid trucks, including those crossing through the Tina checkpoint from Chad to North Darfur.
Lamamra acknowledged the talks as a positive initial step in a complex process. He welcomed the RSF’s unilateral commitments but cautioned that they are not formal agreements with the UN.
In the May 11, 2023 Jeddah Declaration, both parties committed to a series of civilian protection measures, including ensuring safe passage for those fleeing conflict zones.
The warring parties further agreed to “Take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm, with an aim to vacate urban centres, including civilian houses. Civilians should not be used as human shields, for example”.