US to Launch Sudan Peace Talks in Geneva

Negotiations to end the 15-month conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are set to advance in Geneva this week, according to U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello. The United Nations has issued a stark warning of a "cataclysmic breaking point" in the country, as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. While the RSF has agreed to participate in the U.S.-mediated discussions, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese army, has stated that the military will not join the talks unless certain conditions are met. The Sudanese army demands assurances regarding the implementation of the Jeddah agreement, which was established last year between the SAF and RSF. Additionally, they seek representation in Geneva as a government entity rather than merely as the military, indicating a desire for legitimacy in the negotiations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed hope that the upcoming talks will lead to significant humanitarian progress and facilitate a ceasefire, particularly in the severely affected regions like northern Darfur. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has raised alarms about the catastrophic conditions in Sudan, highlighting the looming threat of famine and floods that exacerbate the crisis. With over 10.7 million people internally displaced and 2.3 million having fled to neighboring countries, the IOM warns that without a coordinated global response, the situation could lead to tens of thousands of preventable deaths in the coming months.