Sudan’s consultations with the United States regarding the upcoming peace talks concluded without reaching an agreement on the delegation’s composition. This marks a significant setback in the ongoing efforts to resolve the 15-month-long conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
On Sunday, the head of the Sudanese delegation confirmed that no consensus was achieved on whether the peace talks scheduled for August 14 in Geneva would be represented by a delegation from the army or the government. The consultations, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were intended to address this pivotal issue and pave the way for meaningful negotiations.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into chaos, causing widespread devastation and displacing millions. The army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been locked in a brutal struggle with the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The war has led to significant casualties and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.
The peace talks in Geneva were seen as a crucial step toward ending the hostilities and restoring stability to Sudan. The U.S. has played a key role in facilitating these discussions, aiming to bring both parties to the negotiating table and encourage a resolution. However, the lack of agreement on the delegation’s representation underscores the deep divisions and complexities surrounding the conflict.
Sudan’s delegation to the consultations, which traveled to Jeddah on Friday, faced a challenging task. The delegation was composed of representatives from both the Sudanese government and the military, reflecting the intricate power dynamics and competing interests within the country. Despite the urgent need for a resolution, internal disagreements have complicated efforts to present a unified front in the peace process.
The failure to finalize the delegation’s composition raises concerns about the upcoming talks in Geneva. The international community, including the United Nations and various diplomatic actors, has expressed apprehension over the potential impact of this impasse on the peace process. There are fears that without a clear and representative delegation, the talks may falter, further prolonging the conflict and its associated humanitarian consequences.
In response to the lack of agreement, the Sudanese government has emphasized its commitment to the peace process while also expressing frustration at the continued disagreements. The government’s position highlights the challenges faced in aligning various factions and interests within Sudan, as well as the broader geopolitical influences at play.
The consultations in Jeddah were part of a broader diplomatic effort to address the Sudanese conflict, which has seen increasing international involvement. The U.S., along with other stakeholders, has been working to bridge gaps between the conflicting parties and facilitate dialogue. The outcome of the Geneva talks remains uncertain, and the current deadlock raises questions about the prospects for a sustainable resolution.
As the August 14 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Geneva to see if the warring parties can overcome their differences and commit to a path toward peace. The international community continues to urge both sides to prioritize dialogue and compromise in the interest of ending the suffering of the Sudanese people and restoring stability to the region.
