High level talks over Sudan crisis to begin

By Nathan Morley

Saudi Arabia is hosting the first face-to-face talks between the warring armies in Sudan.

These talks, set to be held in Jeddah, come after several ceasefires broke down. According to the Sudanese army, the discussions aim to address humanitarian issues.

The fighting has closed most hospitals, curtailed water and electricity supplies, and prevented much-needed aid deliveries from getting through.

It is understood that 334,000 people have been displaced within the country, and officials are warning of catastrophe if the fighting does not stop.

UNICEF said in the first 11 days of the fighting, 190 children were killed and 1,700 wounded.

On Friday, there were reports of continuing fighting in Khartoum. Since the conflict erupted in April,  hundreds of people have been killed and thousands have been displaced. 

The International Organization for Migration says over 100,000 people have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Earlier this week, the World Food Programme said it was resuming operations in the country as the crisis threatens to push millions more people into hunger.

The UN agency suspended its work two weeks ago when three of its staff were killed in the fighting.

The violence erupted after deep differences emerged between the army and RSF regarding the latter's incorporation into the army, as stipulated in a framework agreement signed between military and civilian leaders last year.