UN envoy highlights path to peace in Sudan while facing criticism for excluding civilian forces

January 14, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra said he gained insights into the government’s position on ending the ongoing conflict and explored the possibility of a more active role for the United Nations in facilitating peace negotiations.

Lamamra concluded his first visit to the country since his appointment by meeting with Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereign Council, on Sunday. He also met with Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council Malik Agar and Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq.

After the meetings, Lamamra issued a statement saying that he had gained valuable insights into the Sudanese government’s position on ending the ongoing conflict and initiating a peace process. He expressed his commitment to working with all parties to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

The Sovereign Council stated that Burhan discussed with Lamamra the ongoing efforts to end the conflict and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the democratic transition process leading to general elections.

Al-Burhan also highlighted the outcomes of the Jeddah process, the initiatives of neighbouring countries and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), while expressing concern over regional and international interference in the recent summit.

Lamamra’s visit coincided with the Sudanese government’s decision to withdraw from an IGAD meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 18. The Sudanese foreign ministry cited the need for a direct meeting between al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, as proposed by the previous summit, before engaging in another round of discussions.

Criticism for ignoring civilians

While the visiting special envoy met with Sudanese government officials, he did not hold any meetings with civil society groups advocating for a ceasefire and peace. In his statement, he referred to consultations with “segments of civil society” without providing details.

Yasir Arman, a prominent leader of Tagadum, a coalition of democratic forces against war, criticized Lamamra’s limited engagement with civil society groups. He expressed concern that the UN envoy’s focus on meeting with government officials could lead to a biased approach to resolving the conflict.

“The UN envoy’s visit raised doubts about its ability to achieve a just and impartial outcome, especially given his extensive meetings in Port Sudan with those responsible for the war” he stated before warning against any approach that would lead to rewarding the supporters of the former regime who ignited the war.

Arman urged the UN to play a more active role in promoting peace and to prioritize the involvement of democratic civil forces in the peace process. He expressed hope that Lamamra would correct the impression that his visit lacked balance and that the UN would take a stronger stance against the coup and war.

Sudan has been grappling with violent clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023. The conflict has caused widespread humanitarian suffering, displacing over seven million people internally and externally, and leading to significant infrastructure damage.

(ST)