Sudan's Ongoing Conflict: Al-Burhan's Stance on Geneva Negotiations
Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council in Sudan, has reiterated the government's firm stance against participating in the Geneva negotiations under the current circumstances. During a meeting with a Sudanese-Egyptian media delegation in Port Sudan, he emphasized that any efforts to halt the ongoing war must involve discussions with the rebel forces responsible for attacks on civilians. Al-Burhan's remarks come amid continued efforts to form a government capable of managing the transitional period in Sudan.
Al-Burhan disclosed that the United States has agreed to one of the government's demands for a meeting with Saudi Arabia to discuss the implementation of the "Jeddah Declaration," a crucial agreement intended to de-escalate the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. He made it clear that the Sudanese government would not attend the Geneva negotiations unless the Jeddah Declaration is put into action, stating, "We will continue to fight them to remove them by force" if the Rapid Support Forces do not comply.
The Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels, with battles between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces resulting in approximately 18,800 deaths and over 10 million people displaced since April 2023. The conflict has devastated the country's infrastructure, with estimated losses exceeding $150 billion. Al-Burhan criticized the ongoing violence and the unprecedented violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians, urging the international community to hold these forces accountable.
While the Geneva negotiations, mediated by the United States, aim to facilitate a ceasefire and expand humanitarian aid, the Sudanese government remains skeptical about the effectiveness of relocating discussions from Jeddah to Switzerland. Al-Burhan expressed gratitude towards Egypt for its support of Sudan amid the crisis, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation to address the ongoing challenges.
- The Geneva negotiations commenced last Wednesday and are set to last for ten days, with participation from various international observers, including the African Union and the United Nations. Despite the Sudanese government's absence, the talks aim to establish a framework for ceasefire and humanitarian assistance. However, the government's reservations about the negotiation process raise concerns about the potential for meaningful progress. The conflict that began in April 2023 has led to enormous humanitarian needs, with millions of people requiring urgent assistance. The international community, particularly the United States and Saudi Arabia, are pushing for a resolution to the violence, but skepticism remains regarding the commitment of the involved parties to peace.
