Over the past 15 months, the horrific conflict in Sudan has driven millions to the brink of starvation, forced nearly 10 million to flee, and continues to inflict untold suffering on the Sudanese people. The United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war. Building on the earlier Jeddah process, which we co-facilitated with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States has invited the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to participate in U.S.-mediated ceasefire negotiations to begin in Switzerland on August 14, 2024. We thank the Swiss Government for offering to host the talks and welcome co-hosting by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The talks will include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations as observers.
The talks in Switzerland aim to end violence across the country, enable humanitarian access to all those in need, and establish strong monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure the agreement is implemented.
These talks are not intended to address broader political issues. As the Sudanese people have long demanded, governance in Sudan must return to civilians, who must play a leading role in addressing political issues and defining the process for restoring democracy to Sudan.
The scale of death, suffering and destruction in Sudan is devastating. This senseless conflict must end. The United States calls on the SAF and RSF to attend and be constructive in their discussions with the responsibility to save lives, stop the fighting, and pave the way for a negotiated political solution to the conflict. We join the Sudanese people in calling for peace and a democratic transition, and we call on the parties to end the fighting for a brighter future for Sudan.