SUDAN: Talks Fall Short.

The latest round of negotiations between rival factions in Sudan, facilitated by the US, Saudi Arabia, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), ended without a peace agreement. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) failed to make any headway, raising concerns of a fragmented status quo. The conflict in Sudan is increasingly being attributed to the climate emergency, with desertification affecting 65% of the land. The war has resulted in millions of displaced people, 19 million children out of school, and a lack of necessary funding for humanitarian provisions. The RSF has expanded its control of Darfur, leading to reports of massacres and ethnic cleansing. The situation in Sudan is complex and could potentially lead to division and a lack of international recognition for the government. The United Nations has warned that history is repeating itself, with the International Criminal Court launching a fresh investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) has been formally requested to be terminated due to a lack of progress, but a new special envoy has been appointed. The conflict has also resulted in attacks on Khartoum and Omdurman, with casualties and destruction reported. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and airstrikes causing further civilian casualties. Peace talks have resumed, but the prospects for a resolution remain uncertain. [Extracted from the article]