Sudan criticizes US for pursuing Geneva talks without meeting conditions

August 11, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s government criticized the United States on Sunday for pursuing humanitarian talks with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Geneva, despite several unmet conditions.

In a statement released Sunday, the government stated that the American delegation in the Jeddah negotiations did not provide justification for establishing a new platform, following the invitation extended by the United States to negotiate in Geneva on the 14th of this month.

Meetings in Jeddah between a Sudanese government delegation and the US Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, concluded on Sunday without reaching an understanding on the negotiation agenda and observers.

Based on the consultative meeting in Jeddah, the government said in its statement that it observed the American delegation’s lack of commitment to “pushing the rebel militia to comply with the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, which includes the commitment to protect civilians in Sudan and is based on international humanitarian law and human rights law.”

It also pointed out the American delegation’s insistence on the participation of the United Arab Emirates, which is accused of supporting the RSF, as an observer in the meeting.

The government’s statement added, “The American delegation did not provide any justification for establishing a new platform,” and it relied on incorrect information in assessing the situation in Sudan.

However, the government did not openly voice its rejection of the new Geneva process.

“The Sudanese government expresses the aspirations and hopes of the Sudanese people who are exposed to all forms of violence and serious violations,” the statement read. “The government affirms its adherence to the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration…and rejects the presence of any new observers or facilitators.”

The statement concluded by welcoming initiatives that “preserve the country’s sovereignty and the dignity of the Sudanese people,” alluding that the U.S. initiative did not meet these conditions.

The rejection of the U.S. proposal casts further doubt on the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has ravaged the country since April, causing widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis.