A New Dawn: The Peace Initiative in Sudan

On August 14, 2024, a significant event took place in Geneva, Switzerland, where the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations issued a joint statement during the first day of peace talks. This event is a crucial step in efforts to end a conflict that has devastated Sudan for 16 months, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Focus of the Statement

The joint statement centers on three key areas essential to addressing the crisis in Sudan:

Humanitarian Access: 

The statement emphasizes the need to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach those in critical need.
Cessation of Hostilities: An urgent call is made for an immediate and permanent end to all hostilities and violence in Sudan. Ongoing violence exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and hinders any progress toward peace.

Compliance with Agreements: 

The statement highlights the importance of all parties adhering to previous agreements, including the outcomes of Jeddah, which is vital for establishing a solid foundation for peace and respecting international humanitarian law.

Intensive Diplomatic Efforts

Diplomatic efforts in Switzerland are intensive and reflect a global commitment to achieving the stated goals. The Geneva talks are the latest in a series of international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, seeking a total cessation of fighting, broader humanitarian access, and an implementation mechanism to ensure respect for any agreements reached.

Humanitarian Crisis

The situation in Sudan is dire, with over 15,000 deaths and more than 7.7 million internally displaced persons illustrating the severity of the crisis. Over 2.1 million refugees have fled the country seeking safety in neighboring nations. Failure to end the war could exacerbate this humanitarian crisis, making international intervention even more urgent.

UAE’s Focus on Humanitarian Aid

The joint statement underscores the UAE’s role in humanitarian assistance, aligning with its commitment to support those affected by crises. The UAE has sent multiple aid shipments to Sudan, demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of vulnerable populations.

UAE’s Adherence to Agreements

The statement also emphasizes the importance of all parties adhering to previous agreements, showcasing the UAE’s support for a rules-based international order and the importance of respecting agreements for regional stability.

International Cooperation and UAE’s Reputation

The UAE’s collaboration with other countries and international organizations highlights its commitment to international cooperation and multilateralism in addressing global challenges. Its active participation in these peace efforts reinforces its reputation as a responsible and constructive actor in international affairs, actively promoting peace and stability in conflict zones.

The joint statement issued on August 14, 2024, represents a significant step toward peace in Sudan. As the world watches, the international community must unite to support these efforts and work toward a more peaceful and stable future for Sudan and its people.