Sudan’s Factions Meet in Geneva for UN Talks on Local Cease-fires

Sudan’s warring factions have convened in Geneva at the United Nations’ invitation to explore safeguarding civilians via potential local truces. Representatives from the Sudanese army and rival Rapid Support Forces engaged in separate meetings with the U.N. secretary-general’s envoy, Ramtane Lamamra.

Despite an invitation to proximity talks, one group failed to attend. The Sudanese government urged constructive dialogue with the envoy for the benefit of their people.

Conflict erupted in mid-April 2023 between military and paramilitary leaders in Khartoum, spreading to regions like Darfur and causing the world’s largest displacement crisis, displacing over 11 million individuals. The U.N. kept the meeting low-key to manage expectations, focusing on pathways to enhance humanitarian efforts and safeguard civilians through potential local truces as per the Security Council’s request.