The Sudanese government has agreed to participate in indirect discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, regarding the humanitarian situation in response to an initiative by the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Ramtane Lamamra.
According to a statement from the office of the Minister of Culture and Information, government spokesperson Graham Abdulkader, this decision aligns with Sudan’s national duty to its citizens, its commitments under international humanitarian law, and its desire to cooperate positively with the United Nations, represented by Lamamra.
The Sudanese delegation, led by Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Salwa Adam Buniya, includes representatives from relevant ministries and agencies involved in humanitarian work.
Sudanese citizens are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the UN-brokered indirect talks in Geneva between the Sudanese government and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) aimed at providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians.
Despite the initiation of negotiations, the government delegation was absent for the first two days. A diplomatic source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the UN mission, led by Lamamra, continued discussions with the RSF delegation.
Explaining the absence, the Sudanese Information Minister stated that the government delegation had not received any agenda or program for the talks since their arrival in Geneva a few days ago.
He added that the delegation was asked to go to the Geneva Conference Palace, which contradicted the nature of indirect discussions and the agreement to keep these talks private, as requested by Lamamra.
On Thursday, the United Nations announced the arrival of both the government and RSF delegations in Geneva for the indirect talks mediated by Lamamra.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that while both delegations were invited to start discussions, only one attended the scheduled session.
Dujarric mentioned that Lamamra urged both delegations to continue the planned discussions over the coming days, but he did not disclose which delegation missed Thursday’s session.
