As Sudan's conflict escalates, UN and Switzerland host Geneva talks to push for peace, but key factions remain absent.
Diplomatic efforts in Geneva
The United Nations and Switzerland are organizing a meeting in Geneva to bring together representatives from regional and international powers to advance peace efforts in Sudan. The goal is to coordinate diplomatic initiatives and develop concrete solutions to end the conflict that has been ongoing since April 2023. Participants and objectives
On Wednesday, October 21, the United Nations special envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, and Swiss officials opened a new meeting with 27 delegations. The discussions focus on aligning international initiatives and defining a common approach to end the war. However, the challenge is to move beyond statements of intent and achieve real measures. Exclusion of key factions
Neither the Sudanese army nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), its paramilitary opponent, have participated in the meeting. Since April 2023, the two factions have been fighting in a conflict that has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Their absence is a major obstacle to any potential agreement. Civilian casualties in Abyei
On Monday, October 19, a drone strike hit the Amiet market in Abyei, a disputed region on the border between Sudan and South Sudan. The attack reportedly killed more than 150 civilians and caused a major fire. The Sudanese army is accused of carrying out the strike, though the exact circumstances and responsibilities are still under investigation. Rising civilian risks
Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have increasingly used drones, which have raised risks for civilians. According to United Nations figures, at least 880 civilians have been killed in drone strikes since the beginning of 2026, showing the intensification of the conflict. Humanitarian crisis deepens
Beyond the fighting, Sudan is facing a severe food and health crisis. More than 755,000 people are facing extreme famine conditions. Food shortages, mass displacement, and difficulties in accessing health services are worsening the situation. The spread of diseases like cholera adds to the challenges. Health and aid challenges
The lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and weakened health systems are complicating efforts to control epidemics. Humanitarian aid is a top priority, but access to affected populations remains difficult. Ensuring that aid reaches those in need is crucial for addressing food, medical, and health needs. Allegations of war crimes
The conflict has also been marked by serious accusations of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. In Darfur, investigations by international organizations and NGOs have documented murders, sexual violence, forced displacements, and attacks on specific communities. Reports have raised concerns about ethnic cleansing and, in some cases, genocide. Civilian protection concerns
These allegations highlight the challenges of protecting civilians and achieving accountability in a conflict where populations face repeated violence. The situation underscores the urgent need for measures to ensure safety and prevent further suffering.
