U.S. Blinken urges Burhan again to join Sudan’s humanitarian talks

August 14, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to join peace talks in Geneva, assuring him that the negotiations would focus on implementing the humanitarian Jeddah Declaration, the State Department said on Monday.

This was Blinken’s second call to al-Burhan this month, highlighting the urgency of a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access in Sudan.

The military leader had previously declined to participate in the Geneva talks, citing concerns about the agenda and the UAE’s participation as it is accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Blinken “emphasized that the international community has come together in support of these negotiations, co-hosted by Switzerland and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to reach compliance with the Jeddah Declaration, a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and establishment of a mechanism to monitor implementation”.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that the talks’ goals align with commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, aiming for its full implementation.

Moreover, the U.S. Secretary underscored the urgent need for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to halt hostilities and ensure humanitarian aid reaches millions of Sudanese people in desperate need.

Representatives from the United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, the African Union, and the UN gathered in Switzerland on Wednesday to initiate intensive diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

According to a joint statement released by the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, the first day of discussions centred on concrete steps to fulfil the Jeddah Declaration commitments.

The talks, which included “focused small-group meetings with technical experts, have already generated concrete ideas for compliance and implementation of parties’ Jeddah Declaration commitments. Discussions will resume tomorrow,” the statement highlighted.

In New York, the UN deputy spokesman stated that the UN delegation led by special envoy Ramtane Lamamra includes representation from OCHA.

Lamamra expressed optimism that the US-Saudi-Swiss initiative will result in tangible progress towards an immediate ceasefire and improved humanitarian access.

“He urges the Parties to engage in genuine and effective dialogue,” the UN spokesman added.