Minawi, UN envoy discuss Sudan peace efforts and aid delivery
March 23, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Darfur Region Governor and Sudan Liberation Movement leader Minni Arko Minawi met Monday with Pekka Haavisto, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, to discuss humanitarian aid flow and paths to ending the conflict.
Haavisto arrived in Port Sudan on Monday for a three-day visit, his first since succeeding Ramtane Lamamra in February. He is scheduled to meet with various government officials and UN agencies operating within the country.
The Darfur regional government stated that the meeting addressed the political trajectory of the Sudanese crisis. Both parties emphasized the necessity of launching a comprehensive dialogue aimed at reaching a humanitarian truce.
Minawi stipulated that any political initiative must be based on a clear vision with four pillars, primarily aimed at maintaining the unity of Sudan’s people and territory.
He further identified the remaining pillars as the unity of the Sudanese government and the armed forces, while explicitly insisting on excluding the United Arab Emirates from any future political dialogue.
The Sudanese government rejects UAE involvement in peace initiatives, designating it an “aggressor state” for its alleged support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Abu Dhabi continues to deny these allegations despite increasing reports to the contrary.
A quadrilateral mechanism involving the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE is currently seeking a three-month humanitarian truce. This would ideally lead to a ceasefire and a political process resulting in civilian rule.
In contrast, the Sudanese government has proposed its own initiative. It requires the RSF to withdraw from controlled areas and assemble in camps for disarmament before the return of displaced persons and the start of an intra-Sudanese dialogue.
According to the Darfur government, Haavisto expressed deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation across Sudan, with a particular focus on Darfur.
The officials underscored the vital importance of ensuring the continuous flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing fighting.
The two sides agreed to maintain coordination with international partners to facilitate dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders and help end the current crisis.
The United Nations is currently working within a five-party mechanism alongside the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, and the European Union to contain the crisis and bridge gaps between political factions.