The United Nations has called on the conflicting parties in Sudan to engage in talks under its leadership in Geneva, Switzerland.
The aim is to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, protect civilians, and potentially reach a ceasefire agreement.
Alessandra Vellucci, Director of Information Services at the UN, noted that one of the delegations did not attend the talks in Geneva.
Delegations from the warring parties in Sudan are currently in Geneva for UN-led discussions, but only one side attended the initial discussions on Thursday.
She did not disclose which party was absent but emphasized the UN’s ongoing efforts to encourage both sides to participate in the negotiations.
UN Special Envoy Ramdane Lamamra is conducting these talks separately with each delegation, supported by the UN’s integrated technical team.
Vellucci mentioned that the UN cannot provide details about the second day of talks at this time, but urged both parties to engage in the discussions.
She warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians.
The hope is that the Sudanese delegations rise to the challenge and hold constructive discussions with the UN envoy for the benefit of the Sudanese people.
The UN and international communities have increasingly called for measures to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, which could push millions into famine and death due to food shortages resulting from the conflict that has spread to 12 out of the 18 states in the country.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated there is no military solution to this war. The solution must be a political one, reached at the negotiation table.
The Geneva talks are the latest in a series of mediation attempts by various countries and entities. Last year, the city of Jeddah hosted talks under Saudi-American sponsorship, resulting in an agreement between the Sudanese conflict parties to protect civilians, deliver humanitarian aid, and declare multiple ceasefires.
