Rhino: Agencies

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Sudan, Finnish diplomat Pekka Haavisto, stated during a press conference held Thursday in the Sudanese capital that the international organization is committed to supporting a ceasefire and reaching a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict that has been ongoing since April 2023.

Havisto explained that his visit to Sudan aims to hear directly from political and civil society actors and explore ways to end the fighting and promote peace and stability in the country, noting his meeting with Sudanese Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Port Sudan, as well as with officials from the current government and UN agencies operating in the country.

The UN envoy noted that protecting civilians and minimizing the humanitarian toll of the conflict must be a top priority. He explained that the United Nations is working to de-escalate tensions and create conditions for a meaningful political process with full Sudanese ownership, affirming the organization’s continued engagement with all parties to build trust and promote peace, while continuing to provide humanitarian assistance across the country.

Havisto highlighted the UN’s support for regional efforts, including the initiatives of the International Quartet (the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates), expressing his hope that a humanitarian ceasefire would soon be reached as a first step toward a permanent ceasefire.

He emphasized that the peace process must be inclusive, comprehensive, and Sudanese-owned, noting the UN’s commitment to working with all parties to de-escalate tensions, strengthen the protection of civilians, and preserve Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.

Havisto arrived in Sudan last Monday, where he held meetings with the army commander and officials from the de facto authority in Port Sudan, as well as with UN agencies operating in the country, in a move to strengthen coordination and support humanitarian and political efforts.

The envoy explained that his visit includes continuing consultations with additional parties inside and outside Sudan with the aim of achieving tangible progress toward ending the war.

Havisto concluded the press conference by emphasizing the pursuit of lasting peace in Sudan, noting that the international organization will remain by the side of the Sudanese people until comprehensive stability and a permanent ceasefire are achieved.