⏱ 1 min read
Background
Since April 2023, the war in Sudan has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), former allies in the 2021 coup. Drone attacks on civilians and infrastructure are a hallmark of the conflict.
The key points
Nearly two dozen countries met in Geneva on 21 October 2026 to discuss a ceasefire in Sudan. The meeting was co-hosted by Switzerland and the UN.
Delegates were also to consider a Sudanese-led transitional political phase. Neither the Sudanese government nor the RSF was represented, as the mechanism is meant to coordinate mediators.
Key figures
- People in need of humanitarian aid in Sudan: nearly 34 million, according to OCHA.
- Sudanese children out of school: eight million, according to UNICEF.
- Countries meeting in Geneva: nearly two dozen.
Who says what
Switzerland: State Secretary Alexandre Fasel says the war has become a "drone war" that mostly kills civilians. He stresses that protecting civilians must not wait for a ceasefire.
The UN: Pekka Haavisto, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, urges delegates to create conditions conducive to a comprehensive ceasefire.
What's next
These consultations had previously been held in Cairo, Djibouti, Nouakchott and Brussels. On the sidelines, the UN envoy was to meet partners from the "Quad" and "Quintet" mechanisms.
Further reading
Sources
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