A United Nations official reported that representatives from the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces arrived in Geneva to hold indirect talks to achieve a temporary truce, facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid, and ensure the safety of civilians.
Last week, the Special Mediator of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Sudanese Affairs, Ramtane Lamamra, called on the warring factions to send their delegations to Switzerland under the supervision of the United Nations, to discuss ways to protect civilians and achieve better access to aid.
The two delegations responded to Lamamra’s invitation to participate in the dialogue, according to a spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stephane Dujarric, who confirmed that Lamamra is in Geneva to supervise the process, adding that the discussions will continue, with the presence of one delegation confirmed today representing the Sudanese army, while he hopes the support delegation will arrive. Quick later.
In a statement to CBS News, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, indicated the participation of the US special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, in the Geneva talks, which focus on improving humanitarian conditions and reaching a comprehensive political settlement.
Lamamra’s move comes based on the Security Council’s mandate pursuant to Resolution 2740, which urges all parties to seek a truce and ensure free access to humanitarian aid through Sudan, as stipulated in Resolution 2736, which also calls for de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
Since May 11, 2024, two rounds of talks have taken place between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces under UN mediation in Geneva. The first round began on May 27, 2024, and focused on confidence-building measures and a ceasefire, and ended without reaching an agreement.
As for the second round, it began on July 3, 2024, and discussed the ceasefire and the issue of humanitarian aid, and ended on July 9, 2024, with an agreement on an immediate ceasefire, and the formation of a joint committee to monitor the implementation of the agreement and facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid.
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