Rhino: Agencies – The Sudanese government’s choice not to send a delegation to the peace talks in Geneva today is either a bold and courageous move or a short-sighted decision. It remains to be seen whether Sudan will withstand international pressure, which will undoubtedly accuse the military of being an obstacle to peace.
Sudan’s refusal to attend the talks stems from the rejection of two of its three main demands. The first demand, which the US negotiators agreed to, was to recognize the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as the legitimate government of Sudan. The second demand, which was not approved, was to use the agreement signed by the army and the RSF on 11 May 2023 in Jeddah as a starting point. The third objection, which was again rejected by the negotiators, was to prevent the UAE from attending the peace talks as a secondary party. Sudan accuses the UAE of directly fueling the conflict by supporting the RSF militarily and is threatening to file a case against the UAE at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Hours before the US talks, al-Burhan said: ‘Military operations will not stop until the last militia withdraws from the cities and villages it has violated and colonized. ‘There can be no peace while the rebel militia is occupying our homes,’ he added.
The US special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, confirmed on the 10th of this month that the Sudanese army will not attend the Geneva talks. However, he emphasized ongoing US efforts to end the conflict and noted the RSF’s commitment to the negotiations.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the AU hosted consultations with various Sudanese opposition parties and civil society groups. In a second series of meetings, the first of which involved pro-military political groups, the AU said the consultations aim to prepare for a political dialogue between the Sudanese.
It is hoped that the dialogue will take place after an initial ceasefire agreement is reached to discuss the possible shape of a political transition. The talks at the AU headquarters brought together representatives of the Progress Alliance led by former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (a non-aligned armed group that controls significant territory), the Democratic Unionist Party, the Arab Socialist Baath Party, and the Popular Congress Party, which was led by the late Hassan al-Turabi.
Whatever the outcome of the Geneva talks, the Sudanese military currently appears confident that it can withstand the expected international pressure, hoping that the coalition of military forces and popular support will remain on its side. If not, the decision not to attend the talks could backfire and ultimately haunt its leadership.
