As the war in Sudan approaches a second year, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the country has emphasized the need to re-double and coordinate efforts towards a peace agreement that respects national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity - and end the world's largest humanitarian crisis.
In an exclusive interview with UN News's Arabic service in New York, Ramtane Lamamra stressed that the solution must be political, calling for reliance on wisdom and the ability to deal with the root causes that led to the brutal conflict.
He affirmed that the Sudanese people are sovereign and have the final say in their future.
A deteriorating situation
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a powerful formerly allied paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April 2023, causing widespread death, destruction and displacement.
More than 12 million people have fled to safety, whether elsewhere in the country or across the border. Famine has been confirmed in 10 locations, and another 17 are on the brink.
Mr. Lamamra addressed the deteriorating situation in Sudan and the challenges facing peace efforts, noting that he is making every effort to convince the warring parties and decision-makers that the only solution is one that stems from their shared political will.
The envoy underscored the critical need to prioritize the protection of civilians, reiterating the Secretary-General's call for a cessation of hostilities during the Holy Month of Ramadan, which begins this Friday evening.
Learn from the past
Mr. Lamamra urged the Sudanese to learn from the lessons of past experiences, stating that ongoing efforts to reach a peaceful solution must take place within the context of respecting sovereignty, independence, and unity - both of the people and the land.
"I believe that this is fundamental and indisputable," he said.
"As for the United Nations - and for myself personally - I will continue to reiterate and insist on this point because it is essential, as we want to emerge from this ordeal with a strong and unified Sudan: a Sudan that learns from the lessons of its contemporary historical experiences and makes the necessary decisions so that the mistakes that led to the outbreak of wars in the recent past, including the current war, are not repeated."
Nairobi Declaration
Regarding the recent developments in Kenya's capital Nairobi, where political and military groups signed a declaration expressing their intention to establish a governing authority in the areas controlled by the RSF, the envoy referred to the statements of the UN Secretary-General which expressed grave concern over the move as it further increases the risk of Sudan's fragmentation.
Mr. Lamamra cautioned that anything that would widen the gap between the Sudanese instead of uniting them, is "undesirable."
He also mentioned the roadmap that was issued in Port Sudan on 9 February, which he said the UN chief welcomed and asked all interested Sudanese to share their ideas for possible inclusion, as this would facilitate the necessary discussions to rebuild a cohesive and unified Sudanese State.
The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy stated that building on the current proposal is the next step that he is ready to take "despite its sensitivity and difficulty."
He emphasized the need for coordination among the various initiatives proposed to reach a comprehensive national dialogue in Sudan.
