Sudan Conflict Talks in Switzerland Face Stumbling Blocks

U.N.-led talks in Switzerland aimed at brokering ceasefires and facilitating humanitarian aid in Sudan began with only one side present. The conflict, which started over a year ago, has caused significant ethnic violence, displacement, and a looming famine, needing urgent international mediation.

In an effort to end the escalating violence in Sudan, U.N.-led talks in Switzerland commenced with the goal of brokering local ceasefires and facilitating humanitarian aid. However, only one party was present at the start of the discussions, according to the United Nations.

The conflict, which erupted in April of last year between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to rampant ethnic violence, displacement of nearly 10 million people, and an impending famine affecting half of Sudan's population. Geneva-based negotiations are being mediated by U.N. envoy Ramtane Lamamra.

Despite the hopeful intentions, Sudanese army chief Abdelfattah al-Burhan has refused any negotiations unless RSF withdraws from civilian infrastructures. Previous mediation attempts by various international entities, including recent talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have all failed to secure a lasting ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies.)