Sudan Seeks International Backing for Peace Plan Amid Rising Security Concerns

GENEVA, July 2, 2026 - Sudan's Foreign Minister, Mohieddin Salem, held a series of high-level meetings in Geneva on Wednesday to present the government's roadmap for peace and reconstruction while highlighting growing security challenges, particularly the escalating violence in El Obeid. During discussions with senior international officials, Salem outlined Sudan's transition plan, emphasizing post-conflict reconstruction, the protection of human rights, and measures aimed at facilitating the return of millions of displaced citizens. The diplomatic visit marks the second senior Sudanese mission to Geneva this year as the government continues efforts to secure international support for rebuilding the country after more than three years of conflict. In talks with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the foreign minister expressed concern over continued drone attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. The city remains under mounting pressure as fighting intensifies, threatening hundreds of thousands of residents and internally displaced people while raising fears of disrupted humanitarian access to the wider Kordofan and Darfur regions. Salem also reiterated Sudan's willingness to cooperate on prisoner exchanges, noting ongoing international mediation efforts and raising concerns over thousands of detainees reportedly being held in Darfur. During a separate meeting with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), discussions focused on shifting from emergency humanitarian assistance toward early recovery and reconstruction programs in areas now under government control. According to official figures presented during the meetings, approximately 3.66 million people have returned to their homes following improvements in security across parts of Khartoum, Gezira, Sennar, White Nile, and North Kordofan. The government said the number includes more than 775,000 Sudanese who have returned from neighboring countries. Authorities also reported a decline in the number of internally displaced people, which has fallen to an estimated 8.8 million from a peak of 11.58 million recorded in January 2025. Despite the progress, humanitarian needs remain significant as large parts of the country continue to experience insecurity and limited access to essential services.