Sudan sets conditions for U.S.-supported peace negotiations

July 30, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s foreign ministry on Tuesday set out conditions for participating in U.S.-backed peace talks in Switzerland next August, including prior consultations on the agenda and who can attend.

The ministry was responding to a U.S. invitation for the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to hold talks from Aug. 14 in Geneva, with Saudi Arabia as a co-host.

The talks would be overseen by the United Nations, the African Union, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt.

Sudan’s foreign ministry said any talks must be preceded by consultations with the Sudanese government on the agenda and participants. It also called for direct talks between Sudan and the U.S. to prepare for the negotiations.

“Any negotiations before the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, which stipulates a comprehensive withdrawal and cessation of expansion, will not be acceptable to the Sudanese people,” the ministry further said, referring to an agreement reached in Saudi Arabia in May between the warring sides that was meant to protect civilians and facilitate aid deliveries.

The ministry said the RSF must be forced to withdraw from cities and towns and end attacks against civilians, as a prerequisite for any peace talks.

Sudanese officials, also, voiced opposition to the UAE’s participation in the negotiations, citing allegations of support for the paramilitary forces.

The U.S. State Department has said the Geneva talks aim to bring about a comprehensive ceasefire and develop a monitoring mechanism to ensure its implementation. The talks will build on previous negotiations in Jeddah, which stalled late last year over the two sides’ failure to implement confidence-building measures.