UN Envoy Urges Respect for Sovereignty in Sudan Peace Efforts

The UN Special Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, has called for coordinated efforts in pursuing a peace agreement that protects Sudan’s sovereignty amid its ongoing conflict. He emphasizes a political solution is vital, the necessity to prioritize civilian protection, and the role of the international community in fostering peace. Lamamra urges learning from historical patterns to prevent future wars and stresses that unity among Sudanese factions is essential.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now nearing its second anniversary, has drawn urgent calls from the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for a peace agreement that respects the nation’s sovereignty and independence. In an exclusive interview with UN News’s Arabic service in New York, Ramtane Lamamra emphasized the need for a political solution and greater coordination in peace efforts to end what has become the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.

The conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in catastrophic consequences. Death tolls have risen sharply as over 12 million people have been displaced either internally or across borders. Reports of famine in multiple locations add to the urgency of the situation, reflecting the dire condition on the ground.

Addressing the deteriorating circumstances, Mr. Lamamra has been actively engaging with relevant factions, aiming to promote a shared political will among the warring sides. Protective measures for civilians must take precedence, and the Secretary-General has reiterated the importance of a cessation of hostilities, particularly during the approaching month of Ramadan.

In highlighting the need for learning from previous conflicts, Lamamra appealed to Sudanese citizens to prioritize sovereignty and unity in their quest for peace. He stated, “I believe that this is fundamental and indisputable… we want to emerge from this ordeal with a strong and unified Sudan,” underscoring that mistakes leading up to the current conflict should not be repeated.

Recent developments from a meeting in Nairobi, where political and military factions signed a declaration to establish a governing authority, have concerning implications for the potential fragmentation of Sudan. Lamamra noted that anything reinforcing divisions among Sudanese people was unwelcome and stressed the necessity for consistent national dialogue to rebuild the state.

The international community has a crucial role to play, according to Mr. Lamamra, who called for thoughtful coordination in peace efforts. He underscored the importance of understanding Sudan’s situation holistically, including its historical context and the factors influencing the conflict.

His extensive consultations with various sectors of Sudanese society—youth, women, civil organizations—have highlighted a broad spectrum of input essential for setting actionable priorities. Emphasizing discretion, he shared that a list of recommendations for protecting civilians has been submitted to leadership.

Engaging all parties respectfully has been a theme during Lamamra’s meetings with government officials in Port Sudan. He expressed confidence in the goodwill towards peace existing among them. “Each party has a complete and integrated perspective… built on the love of Sudan,” he noted.

Recently, he represented the UN at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa to explore collaborative paths forward, bolstering efforts with regional organizations to tackle the Sudan crisis. The discussions at the summit reaffirmed the urgency of a peaceful resolution.

Commenting on the Jeddah Declaration, which the conflict parties signed nearly two years ago, Lamamra described it reverently as a hopeful, shared document, but acknowledged the pressing need to initiate technical talks for implementation without further delay.

In closing, Mr. Lamamra delivered a heartfelt message to the Sudanese people during the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing values of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence. “My message is a message of brotherhood… Our hope is that our brothers will seize this opportunity to think about a Ramadan free of violence,” he affirmed, calling for a collective aspiration toward a peaceful future.

The UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra has called for enhanced coordination in efforts towards a lasting peace in Sudan, emphasizing respect for the nation’s sovereignty. As the conflict continues to inflict humanitarian crises, he underlined the need for a concerted political solution informed by the Sudanese people’s voices. Both national and international collaboration is deemed essential, alongside a unified approach to promote stability and reconciliation. Mr. Lamamra’s messaging resonates with a call for peace and the hope for a future without violence, particularly as Ramadan approaches.

Original Source: news.un.org