Geneva meeting on Sudan peace efforts opens with calls for de-escalation

GENEVA — The sixth consultative meeting on enhancing peace in Sudan opened in Geneva on Wednesday, bringing together states and international organisations, according to Anadolu Agency. The meeting aims to coordinate diplomatic efforts, promote de-escalation and support an inclusive process to end the conflict.

Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel told the meeting that the war in Sudan had entered its fourth year. He said famine-like conditions persisted in Darfur, Kordofan and other parts of the country, according to Anadolu Agency.

Fasel warned that the conflict was increasingly threatening regional stability, with cross-border repercussions and spillovers into neighbouring countries. "The war is not only affecting people in Sudan; it is a threat to regional stability," he said.

Fasel described the situation as one of the world's worst humanitarian and protection crises. He said more than 15 million people had been displaced inside Sudan and across its borders. He said civilians continued to bear the brunt of the conflict. He added that their protection and humanitarian access must not be conditional on a ceasefire or political settlement.

Fasel said there was broad agreement that the conflict could not be resolved militarily. He called for dialogue that is "Sudanese-driven and inclusive."

Pekka Haavisto, the UN secretary-general's personal envoy for Sudan, said the meeting gave participants an opportunity to assess collective efforts, address existing challenges and strengthen coordination among diplomatic initiatives. He said international efforts should complement one another and contribute to ending the war, easing the suffering of the Sudanese people and securing a future based on peace, security and dignity in a united Sudan.

Haavisto said discussions on de-escalation would focus on identifying practical measures that reinforce one another. He said the aim was to build confidence and create conditions conducive to a comprehensive ceasefire.

On the regional dimension, Haavisto said Sudan's close ties with neighbouring countries meant the consequences of the war extended beyond its borders.

It was not clear from the report which states and organisations attended, or what specific measures were agreed. The report did not say when a ceasefire might be reached or whether the parties to the fighting were taking part in the Geneva talks.

Background

According to Anadolu Agency, Sudan has been engulfed in war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The fighting arose from disagreements over the unification of the military establishment. The report said the conflict has left tens of thousands dead. It did not give a source or date for that figure.

The report did not provide further details on the fighting or on the humanitarian situation in specific cities. The figures for displacement and famine conditions are those cited by Fasel at the meeting, as reported by Anadolu Agency.