Sudanese Women to Play Key Role in Geneva Peace Talks
In a significant step towards addressing gender-based violence in the 15-month Sudanese conflict, representatives from female-led civil society groups are set to participate in the upcoming peace talks in Geneva.
The U.S.-mediated talks, scheduled to begin on August 14, aim to resolve the civil war between Sudan’s two rival military factions, alleviate a dire humanitarian crisis, and establish a monitoring and verification system to ensure the implementation of any agreement.
The talks, co-hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, will involve leaders from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) discussing a potential cease-fire. While SAF representatives have not yet confirmed their attendance, Sudan’s Sovereign Council has sent a delegation to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for consultations with the U.S.
Entisar Abdelsadig, a senior adviser at the peacebuilding organization Search for Common Ground, will lead a delegation of 12 Sudanese women from various civil society sectors in Geneva from August 14 to 24. The women’s delegation prioritizes protecting people against atrocities, particularly gender-based violence.
Abdelsadig emphasized that Sudanese women seek involvement in the monitoring mechanism, which would involve civilian-led confidential reporting to ensure safety, using physical and online channels. They also wish to actively participate in distributing humanitarian aid rather than merely receiving it.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored the importance of the talks, stating, "There can be no military victory to this war." The conflict has displaced nearly 10 million people and left 26 million facing crisis-level hunger.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently spoke with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, reiterating the need for SAF participation in the upcoming cease-fire talks. The Geneva talks include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations as observers.
