GENEVA: Sudan’s conflicting parties have agreed to participate in United Nations-mediated talks aimed at facilitating the delivery of crucial aid in the strife-ridden nation, announced UN aid chief Martin Griffiths on Wednesday.
Griffiths informed reporters in Geneva about his ongoing communication with the leaders of the opposing factions involved in Sudan’s 10-month-long civil war. He revealed plans to convene “empowered representatives” from both military factions to address the pressing issue of aid access.
The objective, Griffiths stated, is to uphold the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, a pact signed by the warring sides in May, which pledged to safeguard civilians and essential infrastructure while allowing unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Griffiths underscored the significant challenges posed by the current lack of access to essential aid. Griffiths highlighted that the upcoming talks would be facilitated by the United Nations.
Positive Response from Sudan’ Warring Sides
Acknowledging positive responses from both factions, Griffiths expressed optimism about the potential success of the talks. Although details regarding the timing and location are pending confirmation, Switzerland has been proposed as a potential venue for the meeting.
Griffiths expressed hope for an in-person meeting but noted preparations for a virtual call next week as an initial step.
The protracted conflict between Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has resulted in thousands of casualties, with UN experts estimating between 10,000 to 15,000 deaths in the western Darfur region alone.
The humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict has plunged over half of Sudan’s population, approximately 25 million individuals, into dire need of assistance and protection.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the UN issued an appeal for $4.1 billion to address the humanitarian needs of civilians within Sudan and those who have been displaced as refugees, underscoring the magnitude of suffering caused by the conflict.
