International envoys gathers in Geneva for Sudan talks despite army absence

August 14, 2024 (GENEVA) – Delegations from the African Union, United Nations, Egypt, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have arrived in Geneva for talks aimed at ending the conflict in Sudan, despite the Sudanese army’s refusal to participate, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello announced on Tuesday.

“The international community is coming together for the Sudanese people here in Switzerland,” Perriello stated on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Our intense diplomatic efforts continue. The time for peace is now.”

Talks are set to begin on Wednesday, with Perriello underscoring the commitment to support the Sudanese people through the crisis. He confirmed the arrival of key figures, including Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chair of the African Union High-Level Panel for Sudan, UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra, the Egyptian delegation, and the RSF delegation.

The absence of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) remains a concern. “Our US delegation, and the collective international partners, technical experts, and Sudanese civil society, are still waiting on the SAF. The world is watching,” Perriello stated.

The Sudanese government has rejected the talks, demanding the implementation of a previous humanitarian agreement with the RSF and objecting to the UAE’s presence as an observer.

Saudi Arabia is expected to participate in the talks as a co-host country while the United Arab Emirates was invited as an observer. Perriello did not announce the arrival of their delegations.

The meeting, co-hosted by Switzerland, aims to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF.