Guterres Renews Call for Ceasefire as Geneva Talks Set to Convene
Agencies – Moatinoon
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his call for the warring parties in Sudan to cease fire. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told Voice of America on Sunday that the United States would continue its discussions with the Sudanese Armed Forces regarding preparations for ceasefire negotiations.
The U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, stated that he had arrived in Geneva from Saudi Arabia to launch "urgent international efforts in Switzerland to end the crisis in Sudan."
In Washington, U.S. officials declared that there is no military solution to the crisis in Sudan. They emphasized that holding national talks to cease fire—supported by unified pressure from key international actors—is the only way to end the conflict, prevent the spread of famine, and pave the way for the restoration of the civilian political process.
On Sunday, consultations between the Sudanese government and the United States in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, concluded without reaching an agreement on the participation of a delegation from the military or government in the peace talks in Geneva, casting doubt on the ceasefire negotiations scheduled to begin on August 14.
The United States has called on the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to discuss a potential ceasefire. The Rapid Support Forces have confirmed their participation in the talks.
Perriello wrote on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter: "In addition to consultations with the parties, we have heard from tens of thousands of civilians inside and outside Sudan. Their message is clear: they want an end to the daily horror of bombing, hunger, and siege, and the United States and our partners are committed to responding to that call."
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the developments in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where heavy fighting between rival military factions in Sudan—the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces—has had devastating consequences for civilians.
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said: "The fighting will only worsen the humanitarian needs in El Fasher and its surrounding areas at a time when famine conditions have been confirmed in the Zamzam camp south of El Fasher."
The Secretary-General called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, ensure their safe passage, and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
He renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire, urging the parties to return to political dialogue as the only way to reach a negotiated settlement.
