Geneva talks seek to open key humanitarian routes for Sudan: Perriello
August 19, 2024 (GENEVA) – U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello said on Monday that Sudan peace talks in Switzerland are focused on opening three humanitarian corridors to deliver desperately needed food and medicine to the war-torn country.
The key Adre crossing from Chad could open as early as Tuesday, with 100 trucks already waiting at the border, Perriello told an online briefing from Geneva.
“Our first priority is to look at how to open three roads that collectively would ensure that 20 million people who are currently cut off completely or largely from food and medicine would be able to get that relief,” he said.
Perriello listed Adre among the three priority routes, adding that the two others are Al-Dabba of Northern State and Sennar City of Sennar State.
“Along with many, many humanitarian and diplomatic colleagues around the world, we are now on the precipice of Adre being open, with over 100 trucks ready to roll, as early as tomorrow,” he said.
The aid agencies and U.S. diplomats campaigned during the past months to open Adré crossing which is more easier to bring humanitarian aid to the needy in Darfur region.
Sudan talks progressing
U.S. envoy expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to bring the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to the negotiating table, despite the army’s absence from Geneva.
In response to inquiries from “Sudan Tribune” about the discussions, Perriello stated that “the most important thing is that this model works.” He emphasized the active engagement with both parties, stating, “We are actively moving forward and talking to the army and the Rapid Support Forces every day, in fact, every hour as a team and individual delegations, and we were really pleased with the response to that.”
He acknowledged the army’s positive response to engagement, underscoring the ultimate goal of achieving tangible results. “It’s not an announcement on paper,” he stated. “It’s about whether food and medicine reach the people who need it most and whether we are able to get commitments on protecting civilians and evacuating schools, homes, and hospitals.”
Perriello expressed confidence that progress is being made even without direct army participation. “We can do that over the phone,” he noted regarding humanitarian access and civilian protection efforts, “but it was very clear from President Biden and Secretary Blinken that we will do whatever we can for the Sudanese people.” He expressed his hope that talks would eventually include all parties, including the military.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation, the envoy stressed the importance of opening relief routes for the millions of Sudanese currently deprived of food and medicine. He noted that 100 aid trucks were prepared to leave for Sudan on Tuesday, and negotiations would continue with the army and the RSF to achieve results.
Perriello confirmed ongoing telephone contact with the Sudanese army and acknowledged the negotiations were progressing well, potentially even more smoothly with the army’s direct participation. He expected the talks to continue until the end of the week.
While acknowledging the challenges of stopping hostilities without both parties present, Perriello expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to addressing the urgent crisis in Sudan, including humanitarian aid, civilian protection, and the cessation of hostilities.
He concluded by reiterating his optimism, stating, “If the army delegation is here, I guarantee that we will achieve more results for the Sudanese people regarding access to humanitarian aid and civilian protection.”