Sudanese Peace Talks Get Underway Despite Boycott By The Army

United States-initiated peace talks to try stop Sudan’s 16-month war got underway in Switzerland on Wednesday with hopes of an agreement to end to the violence, broader humanitarian access, and be able to ensure implementation.

The negotiations are taking place at a time of growing alarm at the plight of the Sudanese people who are caught in the middle of fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

But Sudan’s military said it will not be attending the talks, leaving little hope for a quick ceasefire.

Previous international efforts to bring an end to the war have failed.

The conflict has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of people dying and more than 10 million people being forced from their homes.

In addition, more than half Sudan’s population is facing acute hunger with famine officially declared earlier this month in the Darfur region