The negotiations come as the conflict between rival generals in Sudan enters its fourth month, with frequent ceasefires being violated.
The war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has resulted in a death toll of at least 3,000 and the displacement of over three million people. The army's return to diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia marks a shift after boycotting talks in Ethiopia, objecting to the leadership of the IGAD quartet.
The US mediators involved in the negotiations have expressed frustration with both sides' reluctance to work towards a sustainable truce. The capital, Khartoum, continues to experience constant air strikes, artillery blasts, and gun battles, leading to the displacement of 1.7 million people. The situation remains dire, with clashes and air strikes persisting and the majority of hospitals in combat zones rendered non-operational.
The conflict has also intensified in the Darfur region, where entire villages have been destroyed and reports of mass civilian deaths and ethnic-based assassinations have surfaced. The International Criminal Court has launched an investigation into suspected war crimes.
The humanitarian situation is worsening, with over 2.4 million people displaced within Sudan and 740,000 fleeing across borders. Aid organizations stress the urgent need for humanitarian corridors and safe passage to provide essential supplies and medical care to those in need. Despite pledges, looting of relief supplies and obstruction of aid convoys persist, exacerbating the crisis. The closure of trade between Sudan and South Sudan is also affecting the humanitarian situation in the latter.
International donors are urged to fulfill their commitments, as the current aid pledged falls significantly short of the estimated needs of Sudan and its neighboring countries. (ILKHA)