Photo courtesy of Anadolu
UN envoy Pekka Haavisto urged Sudan’s warring sides to move toward a broader political settlement as diplomatic efforts continue to end more than three years of conflict.
Haavisto met army chief and Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Khartoum, where discussions centered on civilian protection, easing hostilities and efforts to restore stability, the council said.
During the meeting, the UN envoy raised the need to reduce tensions and improve safeguards for civilians caught in the fighting between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Another possible confidence-building measure under discussion is the release or exchange of people held by the rival sides. Haavisto expressed hope that further negotiations could produce progress involving prisoners and detained civilians.
The envoy emphasized that a lasting settlement would require dialogue involving Sudanese stakeholders rather than relying solely on military developments on the ground.
International mediation efforts involve the UN alongside the African Union, European Union, Arab League and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The five organizations are seeking to help establish a political framework capable of producing a comprehensive peace agreement.
Haavisto traveled to Sudan on Friday to hold consultations with parties involved in efforts to protect civilians and curb the violence. His visit came after Sudan’s Dialogue Preparatory Committee launched an initiative on Aug. 30 seeking wider consultations and national consensus on ending the war.
Fighting between the army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between their leaders. The prolonged conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and forced roughly 13 million from their homes, according to UN and international estimates.