UN Envoy Stresses National Sovereignty in Pursuit of Peace in Sudan

The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, calls for a peace agreement that respects national sovereignty as the war in Sudan nears its second year. He highlights the need for a political solution, prioritizes civilian protection, and emphasizes collective efforts to address the humanitarian crisis while promoting unity among the Sudanese people. Lamamra also urges the international community to support coordinated peace efforts and learn from past conflicts to foster a stable future.

As the conflict in Sudan nears the two-year mark, Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, emphasizes the paramount importance of a peace agreement that respects the nation’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. In a recent interview, he highlighted that the resolution must be political, requiring a focus on the root causes of the conflict and the will of the Sudanese people, who must ultimately dictate their future.

The war broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, resulting in widespread chaos, displacement, and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over 12 million individuals have fled their homes, with famine reported in several regions. Mr. Lamamra is working diligently to persuade both sides of the conflict that peace can only be achieved through a mutual political commitment.

Stressing the necessity of prioritizing civilian protection, Lamamra urged for a ceasefire during Ramadan. He remarked on the significance of learning from past experiences, stating that peaceful resolutions must respect the sovereignty and unity of Sudan. He stated, “I believe that this is fundamental and indisputable.” He aims for a unified and strong Sudan that learns from its historical context to prevent the recurrence of conflict.

In reference to political developments in Nairobi, where a declaration for governance was signed by several factions, Lamamra expressed concern, warning that any actions leading to further division among Sudanese groups are undesirable. He reiterated the importance of the roadmap from Port Sudan, calling it a vital tool for fostering discussions toward a cohesive state.

Lamamra called upon the international community to take responsibility in supporting peace efforts. He emphasized that a thorough comprehension of the conflict’s roots is essential for effective international engagement. Furthermore, he insisted on the unification of both international and regional initiatives to present a single strong voice in addressing the crisis.

He also revealed ongoing consultations with various segments of Sudanese society to understand their perspectives better. He operates with discretion, prioritizing the protection of civilians and engaging with both leaderships to share recommendations derived from these discussions to ensure decisive action. Lamamra believes that every party involved is motivated by a shared love for Sudan, which ultimately drives him toward achieving a mutual understanding.

Recently, at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Lamamra promoted discussions on peaceful resolution methods in collaboration with regional organizations. He acknowledged the importance of the Sudan crisis during these discussions and welcomed supportive leadership changes within the AU.

Regarding the Jeddah Declaration aimed at civilian protection, Lamamra considers it a critical document needing implementation, asserting that preparations for technical talks must commence to actualize its objectives effectively.

In conclusion, Mr. Lamamra delivered a heartfelt message of brotherhood to the Sudanese people and the warring factions to inspire reflection during Ramadan, a time for peace and spiritual renewal. He expressed hope that this period will encourage a shift toward unity and a future devoid of violence. His message resonates with the teachings of Islam that emphasize the sanctity of human life, urging all parties to seek a peaceful resolution.

In summary, Ramtane Lamamra, the UN envoy for Sudan, stresses the necessity of a peace agreement that honors national sovereignty and aims to restore stability amidst the ongoing conflict. He advocates for political solutions, civilian protection, and the engagement of the international community to foster a unified approach. Lamamra’s consultations and outreach efforts are aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution while emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences during the Ramadan season.

Original Source: news.un.org