Sudanese groups divided over UN envoy as some demand his removal

June 16, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Dozens of Sudanese political and civil society groups expressed support for U.N. envoy Ramtane Lamamra on Monday, countering a call from another coalition of prominent figures for his dismissal amid disputes over the country’s path to peace.

The division highlights the fractured political landscape as factions debate how to end the long-running conflict. In a statement, a coalition of 52 entities backed Lamamra, arguing that his critics were overlooking “positive developments… and serious steps towards a democratic transition.”

Their support followed a June 13 letter in which 103 Sudanese politicians, activists, and diplomats urged U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to replace Lamamra.

Supporters of the envoy pointed to a government-led roadmap, which includes the appointment of a civilian prime minister and plans for an inclusive dialogue, as progress. They said these steps have backing from the African Union and other international bodies.

However, critics accuse Lamamra of failing to address the use of humanitarian aid as a weapon in the conflict and of not creating a viable peace process. They claim he has aligned himself too closely with the narrative of the Sudanese army and its own roadmap, at the expense of civilian forces.

The dispute comes after the government amended its constitutional document to grant more power to the military and named Kamel Idriss as prime minister.

Guterres appointed Lamamra, a former Algerian foreign minister, as his personal envoy in November 2023, just after Sudan’s ruling authorities pushed for the termination of the U.N.’s previous political mission, UNITAMS.