The U.S. has urged Sudan’s military to participate in talks aimed at easing the ongoing conflict in the country, amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation. The military has stayed away from negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, despite international calls for their involvement. Sudan’s military is in conflict with the formidable paramilitary group known as The Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, stressed the importance of the Sudan Armed Forces joining the talks. Several countries and organizations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, The United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and the United Nations have been involved in the ongoing talks, with the RSF sending a delegation.

Sudan’s governing council, led by senior military officials, recently announced the reopening of the Adre border crossing from Chad into Darfur, a region heavily affected by the conflict. This move was welcomed by the U.S. and the United Nations, although its impact on aid delivery remains uncertain due to challenges like flooding hindering access.

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in accusations from both sides of attacks on civilians and obstruction of aid efforts. The chaos escalated last year when clashes between the military and the RSF spread from Khartoum throughout the country.

As the conflict persists, leading to a rise in hunger, displacement, and civilian casualties, the situation grows increasingly dire. Recent incidents include a bomb blast at a school and market in El Obeid that killed five girls and injured 20 children, as well as reports of severe malnutrition affecting many Sudanese civilians, especially in Darfur.

The ongoing conflict has led to thousands of deaths and widespread starvation, with mass atrocities such as rape and ethnically motivated killings being classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity by the U.N. and global human rights organizations. Sudan’s crisis has triggered the largest displacement crisis globally, with over 10.7 million people forced from their homes since the conflict began. Approximately 2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

According to experts, a famine has been confirmed at a major displaced persons camp in Darfur, and over half of Sudan’s population, about 25.6 million people, are expected to face acute hunger. The need for urgent action and international intervention in Sudan’s crisis is paramount to address the growing humanitarian disaster.