UN Envoy to Sudan: Both Warring Parties Still Counting on Military Victory

moatinoon
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, said extensive diplomatic efforts are under way to secure a peaceful resolution to the war, but noted that both warring parties are still counting on military gains to strengthen their positions ahead of any negotiations.

In an interview with UN News at UN Headquarters in New York, published on Thursday, Haavisto said the high-level week of the UN General Assembly had seen intensive diplomatic activity on Sudan. This included meetings of the Quad, comprising the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as the Quintet, which also brings together the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, the European Union and the United Nations.

Haavisto expressed some optimism, pointing to what he described as small confidence-building steps. These include the establishment of mechanisms by both parties to discuss the issue of civilian detainees, the possibility of prisoner exchanges, and the release of civilians.

He said the complexity of the situation also stems from the fact that the two sides are coalitions comprising multiple factions and military leaders. This means that reaching a political settlement will require extensive diplomatic efforts involving all influential forces.

Haavisto warned of the growing use of drones against civilian targets, including aid convoys, schools and hospitals, and called for an end to the flow of weapons and drones into Sudan.

He also highlighted the scale of the unexploded ordnance problem in Khartoum, saying UN staff had informed him that only around 1% of unexploded munitions had been cleared, leaving approximately 99% still in place.

He stressed the importance of regional cooperation to prevent the war from spilling over into neighbouring countries, particularly as refugees continue to cross Sudan’s borders. He also underscored the need to include women, young people and civil society in the political process.

In a message to the Sudanese people, Haavisto said: “You are not alone.” He stressed that the path to peace requires an end to the war and efforts to address its impact on the country’s social fabric.

He added that the warring parties were not yet ready to sit at the same table, but were willing to engage in the shuttle diplomacy led by the United Nations.

UN Refugee Chief: Humanitarian Aid Cannot Bring Sudan the Peace It Needs

Separately, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih said humanitarian assistance can keep people alive, but cannot deliver the peace Sudan needs for its people to return home and rebuild their country.

Salih made the remarks during a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday on the global situation of forced displacement and refugees. The briefing covered several conflicts, including Sudan, which is experiencing the world’s largest displacement crisis.

“There is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan. The parties must demonstrate political will, support a humanitarian truce and engage in dialogue, including with civilians, to pave the way for lasting peace,” he said.

He urged the Security Council to use its influence, both collectively and individually, to help bring an end to “this devastating conflict.”