UN and Switzerland Coordinate Sudan Peace Efforts in Geneva
United Nations and Swiss officials convened international mediators in Geneva to coordinate ceasefire efforts and humanitarian access for the conflict-torn Sudan.
The United Nations and the Swiss government co-hosted the Sixth Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan in Geneva on October 21, 2026. The summit brought together representatives from 21 to 27 delegations, including the United States, China, Germany, Egypt, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, to align mediation strategies and establish a pathway toward a ceasefire and inclusive civilian governance.
UN envoy Pekka Haavisto stated that there is no military solution to the conflict, which began in April 2023 and has displaced over 14 million people. He urged the warring Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to pursue diplomatic negotiations, noting that while international efforts are intensifying, the combatants still believe in the possibility of a military victory. To build confidence, the UN proposed small-scale measures such as the exchange of prisoners and facilitating student examinations.
Switzerland State Secretary Alexandre Fasel highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe, describing the conflict as a "drone war" that primarily kills civilians and drives famine-like conditions in Darfur and Kordofan. Reports indicate that 34 million people require humanitarian support and eight million children are out of school. Fasel emphasized that the protection of civilians and humanitarian access must not wait for a political solution.
Because the forum was designed for mediator coordination rather than direct negotiation, neither the Sudanese government nor the Rapid Support Forces attended. Participants rejected the creation of parallel governments and called on foreign states to stop providing mercenaries, drones, and financial support to the warring parties.
