Stalled Peace Talks in Sudan: Diplomatic Efforts Fail to Reach Cease-fire

Stalled Peace Talks in Sudan: A Diplomatic Effort at a Swiss Retreat

American-led negotiations aimed at curbing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which convened in the serene surroundings of a Swiss ski resort, reached a conclusion after ten days on Friday. Despite the picturesque setting, the talks were marred by the lack of a cease-fire agreement, primarily due to the absence of Sudan’s military leadership, which opted not to participate.

The discussions, held in Villars-sur-Ollon, approximately 80 miles from Geneva, were intended to break an eight-month stalemate in diplomatic efforts. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground in Sudan demonstrates a deepening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing war between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.). The two factions have not engaged in any direct negotiations since January, leading to a surge in violence and a rare famine declaration this month, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Within the confines of a hotel, which was simultaneously hosting unsuspecting tourists, diplomats from several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland, participated in the talks. Additionally, representatives from the African Union and the United Nations were present, underscoring the international community’s commitment to finding a resolution.

The R.S.F. did send a delegation, but they were housed separately in a lakeside town about 25 miles away, further complicating direct engagement between the conflicting parties. At one point during the negotiations, Tom Perriello, the United States envoy to Sudan, took a significant step by traveling to Cairo to meet with a Sudanese delegation, hoping to encourage their participation in the talks. However, the Sudanese representatives dispatched were perceived as disinterested in pursuing peace, leading to frustration among the mediators.

In a last-minute decision, Egypt’s intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, who had initially facilitated the meeting, ultimately decided to cancel the discussions due to the lack of commitment from the Sudanese military delegates. This development highlights the disarray and internal rifts within Sudan’s military leadership, which continue to pose substantial barriers to achieving a resolution to Africa’s most significant conflict.