Sudan: Government representative announces he will not participate in Geneva talks

America’s special envoy to Sudan, Tom Periello, told Al-Hurra TV that “many countries and negative players are fueling the conflict there,” referring to American efforts to stop it. put an end to the violence in Sudan and provide humanitarian aid ahead of the start of talks between the parties to the conflict in Geneva.

He said in an interview with the program:Between Neilin“From Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where in the coming days he will host negotiations that will precede talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in the coming weeks, which aim at peace a brought to Sudan.

Since April 2023, Sudan has witnessed a bloody war between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, nicknamed “Hemedti,” who left tens of thousands dead and led to more displacement. over 11 million people within Sudan and to neighboring countries.

It also caused a massive humanitarian crisis that pushed the country to the brink of a famine the world had not seen since the Ethiopian famine of the 1980s.

Priello said there was an “urgent” need to deliver humanitarian aid and stop the violence, and “there were long consultations, especially with the Sudanese people, which included more than 100,000 Sudanese from the 18 states and another diaspora to ask. questions about what they want from peace negotiations.”

He said: “It is clear that people want an immediate ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid, and we are also talking to both warring parties and the main international partners. “

American Interest in Solving the Sudan Crisis

Priello confirmed that Sudan is a priority for the administration of President Joe Biden, saying that “there is commitment between the two parties on this issue in every administration.” the violence and pay the maximum amount of humanitarian aid.” “.

He confirmed that the White House is working at all levels, in addition to the US State Department, the US Agency for Development (USAID), and the US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, an effort with the entire US administration, and we will continue to communicate with partners around the world and countries that have observers in Sudan.

On Friday, the Sudanese government confirmed that it had sent a delegation to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to consult with the American administration regarding its invitation to attend negotiations to will be held in Geneva on August 14 to discuss a ceasefire in Sudan.

“We want both sides of the conflict to meet.”

In response to a question about the level of Sudan’s participation, and the possibility of Al-Burhan or Hemedti attending the Geneva negotiations, Periello replied, “Al-Burhan and Hemedti have been invited. We are talking about a stop- rest without conferring any legitimacy on either party.”

He said, “We just want them to meet to agree to stop the violence. We hope that there will be representation at the highest levels, but the basis is for someone with the ability to make decisions to to participate, meaning a high-level person. , to reach practical results and find a solution for all crises and start implementing previous agreements and focus on the Sudanese people.

Regarding the previous agreements that were not implemented, which were previously supported by the United States in Jeddah, Priello said that the previous agreements “had some effect, but they were not implemented.” we would like to reach agreements on implementing and monitoring what is happening on the ground.”

He said, “We know that since the agreements were reached, we have seen changes on the ground. We have seen what happened in El Fasher, Blue Nile and other places, with increased (levels of) hunger and famine in some areas, and we continue to see atrocities such as the targeting of hospitals by the Rapid Aid Forces.”

He stressed, “All this has to stop, there has to be accountability, and we have to bring the officers to justice. Therefore, we are constantly communicating with the Sudanese people, with the Sudanese at home and in neighboring countries, and with others in the country. diaspora.”

He emphasized that the talks in Geneva are “actually an opportunity to demand action by the Sudanese at home and by the international community, which must do more to address the crisis.”

“weight machines”

Regarding the tools available to the United States to put pressure on the parties to the conflict to reach an agreement, Perriello said: “We have used sanctions on people and companies that have committed crimes and atrocities, and we can for us to strengthen those sanctions and work together with ours. partners to increase them.”

But the main point of emphasis is to listen to the people of Sudan, who have been clear and united in their desire to silence the guns, receive humanitarian aid, and restore stability in the democratic transition process.

He noted that the people of Sudan want to control their future and that this has not been addressed in the negotiations at this time, but Perriello confirmed that it is considered a priority.

He emphasized, “The main goal is to stop the violence, bring in support, and build support from the international community.” We need our partners to step up their support. together and I will continue to play the role of partner in the negotiations I believe there is a real opportunity for progress.”

“negative players”

He confirmed that the US administration “sanctioned members of the military and the Rapid Support Forces for committing extortion and crimes, as well as individuals and companies working to fuel the conflict.” , and they will pay the price… Anyone who violates international humanitarian law will pay the price. “

He said, “We have many countries and negative players who are influencing the conflict. Iran, Russia and the UAE have a place, and terrorists are coming from the coast as part of resistance groups .”

He emphasized that “the most vulnerable groups are women and children who are caught between two fires. The international community must have a place to reach a unified road map for peace in Sudan, the interest so far.”

The American “situation”.

Regarding America’s current position regarding the parties to the conflict, Perriello said, “Our position is to stand by the people of Sudan and confirm compliance with international law and the commitment of all parties to it.”

He said it is important for all parties involved in the conflict to be present because they are part of the conflict, noting that this does not mean giving legitimacy to any of these parties, and that their calling is in reaching a result and reaching a stop.

He said: “We invited the partners as part of the conflict. We invited the two teams according to their military capabilities. This is an effort to bring them together and some of the main partners to hold the talks promote.”

Other parties

Regarding the Emirati and Egyptian role in the talks, he said that Egypt is a “very important strategic partner,” and added, “Although not all countries looked at the situation under the same lens , everyone agreed on the need to end the war, whether the concerned countries supported the Sudanese army or went to the other side.

He said, “Egypt is one of the neighboring countries that opened its borders to the Sudanese fleeing from the riots, and it played a constructive role. I believe that the contribution will be essential in the mediation process in Switzerland.”

Regarding the presence of any representatives of the civil forces in the negotiations, Perriello said: “There is dialogue with many civil forces. There is no official participation, but every day we listen directly to the inter- mediators and to all those who support mediation and communicate with them Sudanese Civilians inside and outside Sudan We will continue this communication. “

“A Heartbreaking Story”

The American official said, “The story of Sudan is heartbreaking, but we have to maintain hope. I know that some trucks are going into some communities, and that brave people are working to bring food into some areas for civilians. But we also often see the most vulnerable people being used as weapons.” War, and sometimes aid is deliberately withheld, or civilians are deliberately bombed.”

He said, “We have seen atrocities committed, including ethnic cleansing by the Rapid Support Forces and the regular use of rape as a weapon. We must stop all these violations.”