International facilitators press RSF to open humanitarian access in Sudan
August 20, 2024 (GENEVA) – International peace facilitators and observers met with representatives of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Switzerland on Sunday to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people and ensure the protection of civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.
The delegations from the United States, Switzerland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, and the African Union stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, implementing the commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid and workers.
A key focus of the discussions was the urgent need to open a humanitarian corridor along the road from Gedaref, through Wad Medani and Sennar. This corridor would significantly expand access to aid for up to 12 million Sudanese across multiple states.
The RSF was urged to open areas under its control, specifically the Sennar junction, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies.
The international delegations welcomed the presence of the RSF in Geneva and their readiness to take further steps to protect civilians and improve the humanitarian situation.
Sudan’s decision to open the Adré crossing from Chad to the humanitarian agencies was also received positively. The RSF was urged to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian cargo and workers once movements begin through this corridor.
Both parties were reminded of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilian infrastructure, including bridges and roads vital for humanitarian access.
The delegations intend to meet with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) delegation as soon as possible to further the discussions and efforts to resolve the crisis.
On August 18, Sudan’s Sovereign Council announced that a government delegation would meet U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello and Saudi officials in Cairo.
In a post on X Tuesday, Perriello announced his arrival in Cairo to brief the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the ongoing efforts to ensure humanitarian access and to meet a Sudanese government delegation.
Sudanese government boycotted the Geneva meeting on humanitarian cessation of hostilities blaming the U.S. administration for not agreeing with them on the agenda and the participants in this meeting.