U.N. envoy meets Sudan’s Burhan in push to de-escalate conflict
April 23, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – U.N. envoy Ramtane Lamamra met Sudan’s military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Port Sudan on Wednesday as part of intensified efforts to de-escalate the country’s conflict and push for dialogue, U.N. and Sudanese officials said.
Lamamra, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, delivered a message from Secretary-General António Guterres concerning the United Nations’ role in the country, according to a statement from the Media Office of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, which Burhan chairs.
The envoy is holding consultations with parties and stakeholders to explore ways to strengthen civilian protection and reduce hostilities, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said earlier in New York.
“In his engagements, the Personal Envoy will reaffirm our call for urgent and genuine dialogue between the parties to the conflict towards an immediate cessation of hostilities,” Dujarric told reporters.
The United Nations is also renewing calls for an inclusive political process to prevent further escalation and put Sudan back on a path to stability, Dujarric added, urging the parties to consider potential proximity talks.
At the Port Sudan meeting, attended by Acting Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Idris Ismail, Burhan reaffirmed Sudan’s confidence in the U.N.’s role and pledged to support efforts to achieve peace, according to the Sovereign Council statement.
Burhan also affirmed Sudan would assist the U.N. in reaching those in need amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the statement added, citing Ambassador Ismail.
Lamamra said he had received “clear answers” from Burhan on issues of international concern and that the valuable information gathered during his visit would be conveyed back to Guterres and the U.N. Security Council.
“The United Nations will continue to work to fulfil its duties in the areas of humanitarian support and efforts towards the desired peaceful solution,” Lamamra was quoted as saying in the Sovereign Council statement.