Indirect talks in Geneva facilitated by the United Nations between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) concluded on Friday without reaching a concrete humanitarian agreement.
The discussions, which took place from July 11 to July 19, were intended to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan but ended with unilateral commitments from the RSF regarding civilian safety and peace.
U.N. envoy Ramtane Lamamra described the talks as an “encouraging initial step in a longer and complex process,” though he emphasized that unilateral commitments do not equate to formal agreements with the U.N.
Initially, General al-Burhan’s forces boycotted the talks, leading to only the RSF delegation attending the start of the Geneva meetings.
Public and activist pressure eventually prompted al-Burhan to send a delegation, including humanitarian aid commissioners and military representatives. However, this hastily assembled team did not commit to specific measures for civilian safety or humanitarian aid but appeared to focus on delaying the process.
The SAF offered various justifications for their initial absence, including demands for the RSF’s surrender and withdrawal from the capital, despite frequently contradicting themselves with statements suggesting a desire for prolonged conflict.
Key issues on the agenda included the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. The RSF pledged to work with the Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations to facilitate aid and improve civilian protection, but the SAF delegation’s reluctance to engage meaningfully undermined progress.
The U.N. conducted approximately 20 separate sessions with both delegations, focusing on aid delivery strategies and civilian protection.
Lamamra highlighted the RSF’s commitments to enhancing aid and protection but acknowledged the need for continued engagement to ensure implementation and address pressing issues.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with recent U.N. reports indicating that over 26 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
The RSF also delivered a letter from their leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
The letter detailed the RSF’s commitment to coordinating aid with the Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission and included requests for U.N. intervention, including a resolution to suspend Sudan’s U.N. membership and the establishment of a no-fly zone in non-conflict areas.
The letter also outlined humanitarian commitments, including:
-Facilitating the safe passage of individuals and supplies.
-Refraining from targeting humanitarian assets and personnel.
-Ensuring the security of humanitarian facilities and assets.
-Guaranteeing safety and security in aid operation areas and access routes.
-Holding accountable those responsible for restricting access, targeting humanitarian workers, and looting assets.
-Implementing joint action principles to protect humanitarian workers and facilities.
-Enabling humanitarian partners to re-establish their presence in RSF-controlled areas.
-Establishing safe corridors on roads and areas under RSF control for aid delivery.
The government delegation, led by the Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid, Salwa Adam Benya, did not provide any comments on the outcome of the Geneva talks.