UN Envoy Highlights Need for Sovereign Peace Deal Amid Sudan…

UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra underscores the necessity for peace efforts in Sudan to respect national sovereignty as the conflict continues. With millions displaced and widespread famine, he stresses political solutions, civilian protection, and coordinated international support as essential factors for achieving lasting peace. His message calls for learning from history and fostering unity among Sudanese factions amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.

As the brutal war in Sudan nears the one-year mark, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, emphasized the urgency of pursuing a peace agreement that prioritizes national sovereignty. This sentiment was part of an exclusive interview conducted with UN News’s Arabic service in New York, where Lamamra outlined the importance of political engagement to resolve Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The conflict erupted in April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in immense societal harm. Over 12 million individuals have been displaced, either internally or into neighboring countries. With famine declared in ten locations, and 17 more at risk, the situation is desperate. Lamamra remarked that diplomatic efforts must focus on creating political will among the conflicting parties.

During the interview, Lamamra emphasized the significance of respecting the sovereignty of the Sudanese people as they must ultimately decide their future. He urged that solutions should draw from the lessons of history, encompassing the past errors that contributed to the present chaos. This, he concluded, is essential for establishing a robust and unified Sudan.

On developments from a recent gathering in Nairobi, Lamamra referenced a declaration signed by political and military factions, aimed at forming a governing authority in RSF-controlled regions. However, he cautioned against actions that may exacerbate divisions among Sudanese people, reiterating Secretary-General’s serious concerns about the potential fragmentation of Sudan.

“Anything that would widen the gap between the Sudanese instead of uniting them is undesirable,” he remarked, alluding to frameworks discussed earlier in Port Sudan, where the UN had requested public input for a cohesive state-building dialogue. According to him, building on these proposals is a critical next step, despite the complexities involved.

He implored the international community to mobilize effectively, calling for a comprehensive understanding of the dire situation. Lamamra asserted the need for a united international voice to avoid conflicting initiatives, stating the coordinated effort is crucial for addressing the multifaceted crisis.

In his outreach efforts, Lamamra has undertaken significant consultations with different segments of the Sudanese population, including youth and women. He emphasized the importance of these discussions in gauging public sentiment and outlined recommendations derived from them to promote civilian protection.

While acknowledging that a breakthrough seems elusive at this moment, Lamamra remains committed to pushing forward. He insists that the process revolves around establishing mutual respect and trust between all parties involved.

Recently attending the African Union (AU) Summit, Lamamra collaborated with regional leaders to discuss pathways to peace, positioning the Sudan crisis as a primary focus.

Addressing long-standing agreements, he expressed hope about the Jeddah Declaration—an accord aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian access signed nearly two years ago. Lamamra reiterated the necessity for preparatory discussions to enable its implementation on the ground.

To conclude his message, Lamamra shared words of solidarity with the Sudanese people ahead of Ramadan. Reminding them of their inherent desires for peace, he extended a message of brotherhood founded on the universal values of Islam and the sanctity of human life, urging all parties to embrace this holy month with an eye towards a violence-free future.

In summary, Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s envoy for Sudan, emphasizes that any peace agreement must respect Sudan’s sovereignty while calling for comprehensive political solutions to the ongoing conflict. As the humanitarian crises deepen, with millions displaced and famine looming, there is a pressing need for coordinated international efforts and meaningful dialogue among Sudanese factions. Lamamra’s insistence on learning from past mistakes and focusing on civilian protection reveals a roadmap towards a resilient and unified Sudan.

Original Source: news.un.org