UN Secretary-General’s envoy Ramtane Lamamra has invited the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to engage in indirect talks in Geneva, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians in Sudan. This invitation aligns with Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024), which encourages coordinated engagement to advance peace in Sudan.
In letters dated June 26 and seen by Sudan Tribune, Lamamra invited the Chairman of the Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese army, as well as the RSF commander, to discuss measures for distributing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians across Sudan. He emphasized the aim of identifying avenues for advancing these measures through potential local ceasefires as required by the Security Council.
Senior-level delegations are set to convene in Geneva starting July 10, 2024, in a “proximity format” facilitated by the United Nations. Confirmation of attendance and delegation composition is requested by July 2, 2024.
In February 2024, UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths reported that the commanders of the warring parties in Sudan assured him they would attend a meeting in Switzerland to discuss humanitarian issues and civilian protection.
The invitation follows continued conflict and a recent rejection by the Sudanese army of a ceasefire offer in El Fasher. Army Commander General al-Burhan stated that negotiations with the RSF would only be considered once they vacate civilian homes and properties. Lieutenant General Yasir al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Army, outlined four conditions for negotiation, including the surrender of RSF forces, their relocation to designated camps, and the evacuation of seized buildings.
