Tribune Sudan revealed that the UN-sponsored Geneva talks between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which concluded yesterday, resulted in a series of unilateral commitments but no humanitarian agreement.
According to the newspaper, Ramatan Lamamra, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Sudan, and his team held around 20 separate discussion sessions with the government and RSF delegations from July 11 to 19 in Geneva.
Lamamra stated that during the discussions, both delegations shared their positions on several key issues in light of their responsibilities, which allowed for a deepening of mutual understanding.
He noted that the separate discussions held in Geneva with the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF delegations were an encouraging initial step in a long and complex process.
In a press statement, Lamamra expressed optimism regarding both sides’ readiness to engage on several important issues and the commitments made concerning specific demands presented during the discussions.
“Although the unilateral commitments from both sides do not constitute agreements with the UN, I welcome the pledges announced by one party today regarding enhanced humanitarian assistance and civilian protection,” he said.
He added that he intends to continue closely engaging with the leaders of both sides to monitor the implementation of commitments and address critical issues.
Lamamra emphasized the dire and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, calling for urgent action to ensure humanitarian aid reaches all those in need and to protect civilians across the country.
Ongoing Security Deterioration
On the ground, security remains precarious in many Sudanese states. The government of the Nile River State in northern Sudan announced the death of two security personnel and the injury of others following clashes with a breakaway group from the Popular Resistance in the town of Al-Farikha, north of the city of Berber. The group’s leader managed to escape.
The clashes occurred between a joint army and police force and a breakaway faction of the Popular Resistance, which fights alongside the Sudanese army against the RSF north of Berber in Nile River State.
A statement from the Security Committee of the Nile River State reported that “the regular forces counted two martyrs and one injured. The forces continue to impose a security cordon around Al-Farikha and are conducting combing operations to capture the accused and bring him to justice.”
The statement noted that the security situation in the town has stabilized completely following the successful joint security operation, which achieved all its objectives in eliminating the armed formation led by a wanted individual.
The joint forces engaged in clashes with the armed group, inflicting heavy losses and seizing weapons and ammunition in their possession.
US Reaction
The United States commented on the ongoing battles in Sudan, with White House spokesperson John Kirby expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict and unequivocally condemning those involved.
Kirby added that more than 25 million people are facing unacceptable levels of food insecurity, with almost the entire country experiencing violence. He called on the fighters to cease attacks on innocent civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
Sudan has been experiencing intense fighting between the army and the RSF since mid-April 2023 due to political and security disputes, resulting in approximately 13,900 deaths, over 8 million displaced persons and refugees, and a worsening humanitarian situation, according to the UN.
