Sudan’s de facto ruler, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has announced that the government will not participate in peace talks in Switzerland, stating that the military will continue to fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The talks, aimed at easing human suffering and achieving a lasting ceasefire, were also attended by mediators from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
While an RSF delegation attended, the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Burhan, chose not to join in person but remained in contact with the mediators. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began last year, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 25 million people facing acute hunger and more than 10 million displaced.
Efforts to improve humanitarian access, including opening new routes for aid, have been discussed, but progress has been slow due to the absence of the SAF at the talks. US Sudan envoy Tom Perriello expressed hope for future progress but acknowledged the challenges ahead. Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow, emphasized the need for international pressure to push for decisive action in Sudan, as both sides continue to engage in a bitter conflict.
The situation in Sudan remains complex, with various parties vying for power and control. The absence of the SAF at the recent talks has hindered efforts to address the humanitarian crisis effectively. As the conflict rages on, urgent action and international pressure are needed to bring about a meaningful ceasefire and alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese civilians.
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