On Thursday, the US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, stated that the Sudanese Armed Forces’ decision to open the Adre border crossing represents a vital measure to save lives and curb the spread of famine.
Perriello emphasized that the delegations in Geneva, engaged in US-sponsored discussions aimed at halting the war in Sudan, welcome this decision and anticipate the first convoys crossing in the upcoming days.
The US envoy urged the Rapid Support Forces to take prompt actions to ensure the safety of humanitarian organizations entering through the Adre border, facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and maintain the independence of their operations from armed and political factions.
Perriello stressed the urgent need for all parties to take immediate measures to deliver humanitarian aid to Darfur and throughout Sudan, ensuring safe and unimpeded access for those in need, regardless of which faction controls the territory.
According to the US envoy, expanding humanitarian assistance is a top priority for the international community members convening in Switzerland. He remarked that facilitating humanitarian access and protecting civilians aligns with the parties’ obligations under the Jeddah Declarations and international humanitarian law.
The delegations in Geneva welcome the decision by the SAF to open the Adre border crossing – a critical step for saving lives and preventing the spread of famine and we look forward to seeing the first convoys cross in the coming days. We call on the RSF to take immediate steps…
— U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello (@USSESudan) August 15, 2024
On Thursday, Perriello expressed his desire to see “tangible results” during the ceasefire discussions that began in Switzerland with the Rapid Support Forces, despite the absence of the Sudanese army, which has declined to participate.
Perriello posted on the platform: X, stating, “Our diplomatic discussions on Sudan continue for a second day, and we are working tirelessly with our international partners to save lives and achieve tangible outcomes.”
Sudan, under the leadership of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, declined the invitation to join the talks on Thursday through Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim. “The Sudanese people inherently reject threats and intimidation,” he stated on Twitter.
He also mentioned that the Sudanese government “will not accept imposed mediation and will not become a party to negotiations intended to legitimize the occupation of civilian facilities by the criminal militia and secure its future standing in the political and security arenas.”
From Geneva.. Sudan’s dilemma to “last serious chance”
US-sponsored negotiations to end the war in Sudan commenced in Geneva on Wednesday, involving various countries and regional and international organizations, amid escalating warnings regarding the impending famine threatening millions of Sudanese.
All previous negotiation rounds held in Jeddah have failed, and at the end of July, Washington invited the conflicting parties to a new series of discussions in Switzerland, aiming to conclude the devastating war that has persisted for nearly 16 months.
The talks aim to broaden the scope of humanitarian aid delivery and establish a monitoring and auditing mechanism to ensure the enforcement of any agreements.
Washington seeks to include the African Union, Egypt, the UAE, and the United Nations as observers in the Geneva discussions it sponsors alongside Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, which are expected to last no longer than ten days.
However, the Sudanese government, under military leadership, has expressed objections to the participation of the UAE, while the United States maintains that Abu Dhabi and Cairo can serve as “guarantors” to ensure that any agreement does not remain merely symbolic.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict between the army, led by Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, pushing the country to the brink of famine.
The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid in Sudan: Insights from US Special Envoy Tom Perriello
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached critical levels, with millions at risk of famine. US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, recently emphasized the importance of humanitarian access in a statement regarding the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) decision to reopen the Adre border crossing. This move is hailed as a significant step towards saving lives and facilitating the distribution of much-needed aid across Sudan.
The Opening of the Adre Border Crossing
On Thursday, Perriello praised the SAF’s decision to open the Adre border crossing, indicating that it could help mitigate the devastating impact of famine affecting the Sudanese populace. This decision was welcomed by delegations at the US-sponsored peace talks in Geneva, who are eager to witness the first humanitarian convoys cross the border in the days ahead.
Urgent Call for Safety and Unhindered Access
Perriello issued a clear call to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for immediate action to ensure the safety of humanitarian aid organizations operating in the region. He stressed the necessity for unhindered humanitarian access and the independence of these groups from armed and political interference. This independent access is crucial, as it ensures that aid can be distributed to those in need without obstruction or delay.
Key Points on Humanitarian Aid Access
- Immediate Safety: The RSF must guarantee the safety of aid groups entering through Adre.
- Unhindered Humanitarian Access: Aid organizations need the freedom to operate without threats from armed actors.
- Independence of Operations: Humanitarian work should remain distinct from political or military agendas.
International Community’s Role
During the discussions in Switzerland, expanding humanitarian assistance has been recognized as a top priority. Perriello notes that protecting civilians and facilitating aid is not only a humanitarian obligation but also in line with the commitments made in the Jeddah Declarations and international humanitarian law.
Talks in Switzerland: Seeking Tangible Results
The Geneva talks aim to find resolutions to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has been marked by violence and instability for months. Perriello highlighted his desire to secure tangible results during these negotiations, despite the notable absence of Sudan’s army from the discussions. The Sudanese military, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has not participated in these peace talks and has openly rejected international mediation efforts.
The Dilemma Facing Sudan: A Multifaceted Crisis
Since the onset of conflict in April 2023, a brutal war has engulfed Sudan, pitting the SAF against the RSF led by former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This turmoil has spiraled the nation into chaos, pushing millions toward the brink of famine. As negotiations unfold, there are high hopes that the opening of the Adre border can serve as a lifeline for those in dire need.
Key Players in the Peace Talks
The US has positioned itself as a facilitator in these crucial negotiations, inviting various stakeholders to participate, including:
- The African Union
- Egypt
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- The United Nations
However, the Sudanese government has voiced strong opposition to the UAE’s involvement, deeming their participation as contentious and potentially counterproductive. Nevertheless, the US believes that the UAE and Egypt could play essential roles as guarantors of any potential agreements.
Implications of the Conflict on the Ground
As this conflict continues to affect millions, the humanitarian landscape remains precarious. Reports indicate widespread shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The international community convened in Switzerland recognizes the urgency of this situation and the need to establish mechanisms for effective monitoring and implementation of any agreements made.
The Role of Humanitarian Organizations
Humanitarian organizations are at the forefront of providing essential services to those affected by the conflict. Their work often involves:
- Assessing needs in crisis-affected regions
- Coordinating the delivery of food and medical supplies
- Providing shelter and support to displaced populations
Ensuring that these organizations can operate effectively is paramount to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Quotes from Tom Perriello
The delegations in Geneva welcome the decision by the SAF to open the Adre border crossing – a critical step for saving lives and preventing the spread of famine. We call on the RSF to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of aid groups entering across the Adre border.
– Tom Perriello, US Special Envoy for Sudan
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the reopening of the Adre border crossing presents a hopeful opportunity for humanitarian aid delivery, significant challenges remain. The absence of the Sudanese army at the Geneva talks underscores the deep divisions within the political landscape of Sudan, complicating efforts for a unified approach to peace and stability.
Practical Steps for Increasing Humanitarian Aid Delivery
- Engagement with All Parties: It is essential for humanitarian agencies to engage with all conflicting parties to ensure access and security.
- Strengthening Local Capacities: Working with local organizations can enhance aid delivery efficiency and effectiveness.
- Advocating for Policy Changes: Continuous dialogue is needed to advocate for policies that prioritize humanitarian access.
As the situation develops, the commitment of international partners to supporting humanitarian efforts in Sudan will be vital in preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis. The eyes of the world are on Geneva, as leaders work to forge a path toward peace and stability for the Sudanese people.
