The United Nations and Swiss officials have held talks in Geneva to develop a plan to end the ongoing war in Sudan, which has triggered what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. 

Nearly two dozen countries participated in the meeting, but representatives of the two warring parties Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were absent. 

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has entered its fourth year, with increasing reliance on drone warfare, widespread civilian casualties and worsening hunger across the country.

Opening the talks, Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel warned that the conflict was causing famine-like conditions in Darfur, Kordofan and other parts of Sudan. 

He also expressed concern over the spillover of violence into neighbouring countries, warning that the war posed a threat to regional stability. 

The meeting is the sixth diplomatic effort aimed at establishing a pathway to a ceasefire and a transition to a peaceful government. 

The UN Special Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, called for an unwavering commitment to ending the fighting, alleviating civilian suffering and securing a future of peace, security and dignity in a united Sudan.