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Efforts to end the war in Sudan and alleviate the humanitarian crisis were discussed again in Geneva on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. According to UN News, nearly two dozen countries gathered to seek a path toward a ceasefire and a transition to a peaceful government representing all Sudanese people. The meeting focused on coordination among mediators rather than direct negotiations between the warring parties.
Seeking steps toward de-escalation
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, said the meeting’s initial session focused on de-escalation efforts. Delegates were asked to identify practical steps and use their respective channels of engagement to build trust and create conditions conducive to a comprehensive ceasefire.
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. The two had previously been allies and jointly seized power in a 2021 coup. As the war enters its fourth year, it continues to cause civilian casualties and worsen humanitarian conditions.
Drone attacks and civilian suffering
Deadly drone attacks on civilians and public infrastructure have become a defining feature of the war in Sudan. Humanitarian and human rights officials have repeatedly condemned such attacks. Swiss State Secretary Alexandre Fasel, whose country is co-hosting the meeting with the UN, said the conflict had evolved into a drone war that primarily kills civilians.
Fasel also highlighted ongoing famine-like conditions in Darfur, Kordofan State, and other areas. He stressed that the protection of civilians and humanitarian access under the Geneva Conventions must not wait for a ceasefire or political settlement.
Citing data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, Fasel said nearly 34 million people in Sudan require humanitarian assistance. He also referred to a UNICEF warning that eight million Sudanese children are out of school. In addition to depriving them of their right to education, the situation is considered a major potential risk to Sudan’s future stability. Conflict-related sexual violence has also reportedly been used again to terrorize and humiliate civilians, including on the basis of their ethnicity or perceived affiliations.
An inclusive political transition
In addition to discussing a ceasefire, delegates considered a political transition led by the Sudanese people and reflecting their aspirations. Haavisto emphasized the importance of inclusive and credible dialogue, while saying that the role of international actors is to support the Sudanese people in shaping a shared future that respects the diversity of their voices and experiences.
Neither the Sudanese government nor the RSF attended the meeting in Geneva. The mechanism was specifically established to allow mediators to align their actions. On the sidelines of the meeting, Haavisto was also scheduled to communicate with regional and international partners in the Quad and Quintet mechanisms. The Quad involves the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, while the Quintet comprises the African Union, IGAD, the UN, the European Union, and the League of Arab States.
A series of peace coordination efforts
The official meeting, titled consultations to enhance the coordination of peace initiatives and efforts in Sudan, was a continuation of a series of previous discussions. Similar forums were held in Cairo, Djibouti, Nouakchott, and Brussels between June 2024 and January 2026.
The latest talks also followed a dedicated humanitarian discussion at the UN office in Geneva the previous day. The meeting involved delegates, senior UN officials, and international nongovernmental organizations working in Sudan, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Sudan INGO Forum.
