July 11, 2024 (NEW YORK/ ATBARA) – The United Nations confirmed the arrival of delegations from the warring Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Geneva for indirect discussions aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid delivery and civilian protection. However, the Sudanese army leader reiterated their refusal to engage in talks until the RSF withdraws from occupied towns, casting a shadow over the UN-led initiative. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, revealed that the delegations were invited by the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, for discussions commencing on July 11th. However, one delegation failed to attend the initial session. Lamamra has since extended a renewed invitation for both parties to meet on Friday. “We urge the Sudanese delegations to rise to the challenge and engage in constructive discussions with the Personal Envoy for the sake of the Sudanese people,” stated Dujarric, while declining to disclose which party abstained from the first meeting. The UN’s efforts were prompted by letters dated June 26th, in which Lamamra invited both SAF and RSF leaders to discuss measures to ensure humanitarian access and civilian protection, including potential local ceasefires as mandated by the Security Council. Al-Burhan demands RSF withdrawal Sudanese army …

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