UN envoy urges Sudan’s army chief to support five-party political talks
June 7, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations Special Envoy to Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, on Sunday requested that Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan back ongoing consultations led by a five-party mechanism regarding a future political process.
The UN appeal follows exploratory meetings facilitated by the mechanism in Ethiopia, where coalitions including armed groups reached preliminary understandings on a framework for political talks, including the formation of a preparatory committee.
Haavisto arrived in Sudan days after the conclusion of those meetings, marking his second visit to the country since assuming office last March.
“I asked Burhan to support the progress made in the consultations organized by the five-party mechanism, which brought partners together to discuss the most effective ways to initiate an inclusive dialogue,” Haavisto said in a statement released by the Sovereign Council following his meeting with Burhan.
The envoy noted that he briefed Burhan on the joint efforts of the mechanism, which comprises the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Arab League, emphasizing that any political process would remain Sudanese-owned.
Although the initial consultations secured breakthroughs among various political blocs, deep divisions persist over the potential participation of Islamist factions and the “Tasees” coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Burhan announced on May 26 that arrangements were underway to launch an internal political dialogue to agree on how to complete a democratic transition, though concrete steps to prepare the domestic political climate have yet to follow.
Haavisto said that since taking office, he has conducted extensive regional consultations with heads of state, government leaders, and a broad spectrum of Sudanese political and civil actors.
He stated that these talks focused on the Sudanese people’s aspirations for their country’s future, adding that his efforts aim to encourage de-escalation to lower tensions and build trust among the warring parties.
The envoy reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
“I am committed to engaging with all Sudanese partners to make progress on both the security and political tracks to settle differences and reach a consensus,” Haavisto added.
Sudan has been mired in political paralysis since October 2021, when Burhan led a military coup that ousted the civilian-led transitional government formed after the popular uprising against former President Omar al-Bashir. The stalled transition and subsequent friction over the integration of the RSF into the regular army culminated in a devastating war between the military and the paramilitary group in April 2023.