In a significant development, the conflicting parties in Sudan have reached an agreement to participate in United Nations-mediated discussions aimed at facilitating crucial aid delivery within their war-ravaged nation.
On Wednesday, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths addressed reporters in Geneva, revealing his communications with the leaders of the two factions involved in Sudan’s ten-month-long civil war.
The discussions are set to involve “empowered representatives of the two militaries” to address the critical issue of aid access.
Griffiths emphasized the urgency of honoring the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, signed by both sides in May of the previous year.
The declaration pledged to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure while allowing the much-needed inflow of humanitarian assistance.
Despite this agreement, Griffiths highlighted that the lack of access to affected regions remains “very, very considerable.”
While the Jeddah conference was organized by Saudi Arabia and the United States, Griffiths announced that the United Nations would take the lead as the mediator in the upcoming talks.
Expressing positivity, Griffiths disclosed that he received encouraging responses from both sides.
Although the specifics of when and where the talks will occur are yet to be confirmed, Switzerland has been suggested as a potential venue.
Griffiths expressed his hope for a face-to-face meeting but noted that preliminary arrangements are being made for a virtual call next week.
The ongoing conflict, ignited in April of the previous year between Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.
UN experts estimate that in the western Darfur region alone, between 10,000 and 15,000 individuals have perished. Beyond the human toll, the conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, leaving over half of Sudan’s population—approximately 25 million people—in desperate need of assistance and protection.
On Wednesday, the United Nations made a fervent appeal for $4.1 billion to provide aid to civilians within the country and those who have sought refuge as displaced persons.
The UN warned that the ongoing conflict has led to “epic suffering” and necessitates immediate international support to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan.